After reigning as Miss South Africa 2020, Shudufhadzo Musida has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for young women everywhere. Now, she takes her advocacy to new heights as the UNFPA’s Global Champion for Women and Girls.
New York, United States of America (07 February 2025) – Since her reign as Miss South Africa in 2020, Limpopo-born Shudufhadzo Musida, popularly known as Shudu, has inspired many young women to dream big, be a force in a world that seeks to undermine them, and stand for what truly matters.
In addition to her many successes and noteworthy impact, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency: UNFPA, has proudly announced her as its Global Champion for Women and Girls!
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Her first act in this role is to help observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation by launching a UNFPA campaign entitled Patterns of Hope – inside the movement to end female genital mutilation, which focuses on ending the harmful practice endured by more than 200 million women and girls worldwide.
Shudu previously served as UNFPA’s first-ever Regional Champion for East and Southern Africa, where she advocated for women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health.
Since winning the Miss South Africa pageant, Shudu has leveraged her platform to mobilise awareness and action on gender equity and mental health, notably via her Mindful Mondays programme, which reached over 1 million weekly viewers. Her unwavering commitment and impact have been invaluable to UNFPA.
“I am incredibly honoured to continue advancing UNFPA’s mandate, especially as it faces concerted opposition around the world,” said Shudu.
“I’m committed to raising awareness and advocating for the rights of women and girls everywhere.”
Hailing from a village in Limpopo Province, South Africa, Shudu’s upbringing instilled a deep understanding of the injustices faced by women and girls worldwide.
She is currently bringing these experiences to the Ivy League through her enrolment in Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, where she is pursuing a master’s degree.
As UNFPA’s Global Champion, she will continue advocating for an intersectional approach to well-being, addressing mental health, improving sexual and reproductive health, and ending gender-based violence.
“We are thrilled to welcome Shudu to the UNFPA global team,” said Ian McFarlane, Director of UNFPA’s Division for External Relations.
“Her energy, passion and commitment are inspiring. Working through partnerships we can achieve so much more than we would by working alone.”
Her two-year appointment will contribute to UNFPA’s mission to achieve sexual and reproductive health and rights for all by 2030.
Sources: Supplied
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