Rabiya Mateo: 'We need phenomenal women who are not afraid to speak up'

Education is important for Rabiya Mateo. And this is what she highlighted in her introduction video for the 2020 Miss Universe pageant, posted on its Facebook page.

In the clip, Rabiya said she began from “humble beginnings” and it is education that transformed her life.

"Now I am a teacher and I hope that my students will see the value of education the way that I saw it," she said.

Rabiya added, "I live in a country where there's a lot of poor families, and education is our social equalizer, that regardless of what background you have, what status of your family, if you educate yourself, you will be able to land a great job."

The 24-year-old beauty queen said she will “champion for other people” if she wins the Miss Universe.

“Because what we need nowadays is not just a beauty queen with a pretty face. We need phenomenal women who are not afraid to speak and to stand for the things that they believe in.”

Rabiya is already in the United States to prepare for the upcoming Miss Universe pageant later this May.