Evlin Khalifa has been crowned Miss Universe Bahrain and will compete in New Orleans for the crown title of Miss Universe in January 2023. She hopes to throw a spotlight on Bahrain as she raises the flag as the country’s second entrant. In this interview with Woman This Month, she talks excitedly to Farrah Saville about her meteoric rise, how she feels about representing her country and her fondest memories of growing up in the Kingdom.
Congratulations on being crowned ‘Miss Universe Bahrain’! How did you feel about winning?
It’s definitely a big blessing. I still feel like I’m dreaming as this is the happiest moment in my life so far. I always wanted to make my country and our people proud as I am proud of them. If I look back at my life, I can say it’s been a long journey to earning this title. So, I’m naturally very grateful and happy to be where I am meant to be.
That being said, now that I have a crown and title, I have a big responsibility as well – to represent Bahrain on the international stage and be a voice for not only women, but those who are unheard. I realised that winning is just one part of the job, but really winning involves going through the journey of having this title and accepting the responsibility of having this huge platform and shedding light on causes that are close to my heart. I believe that true winning is in giving, and that is my mission throughout my reign.
Why did you decide to enter the competition?
I want to show the world how beautiful, intelligent and talented Middle Eastern women are. I want to see more Arab representatives globally. There are very few representations of Arab women in Hollywood movies or Disney shows. For example, In the film Aladdin the role of Princess Jasmine is played by a non-Arab actress, but I’d like to see someone who is like us, someone who looks like us.
How do you feel about going to New Orleans to compete for Bahrain? Are you hoping to change any perceptions about women in the region?
It’s a very special feeling for me to represent our Kingdom at the Miss Universe stage. Since it is only the second time we are going to send a representative, it’s a big honour for me. The first representative, Manar Jess Deyani, has made a huge impact not only on our community but globally. I want to continue her legacy and show the universe the power in modesty and Bahrain as a country filled with love, genuine happiness and generosity.
I will make sure I do my best to let the whole world know how modern, talented and beautiful our Bahraini women are. We honour our traditions and customs, but at the same time, we combine it with modern values. That’s why Bahraini women are unique.
As for visiting New Orleans, I’m quite excited to visit this US state as I haven’t visited yet. I’m also musician and since it’s known for jazz, I’m sure I’ll find it to be an interesting city. I’m planning to invite all my family and friends as they would all like to attend this beautiful show and support me.
Did you get any resistance to you entering and representing Bahrain? Have you faced any online bullying?
With regards to online bullying, of course, I have already faced some bullying; people might say I’m not pure Bahraini, which is true but it doesn’t make me less Bahraini than others. It’s all about who you are inside. My heart is Bahraini, and I dedicate all my victories to my country. So, I’m not offended by these words, in the end, I know our people will support me as we are a very united nation.
Who has inspired you to compete and why did you decide to enter the competition?
Manar Deyani, definitely inspired me to think about beauty pageants and represent Bahrain. When I saw her representing our country on an international stage, I literally teared up because of how proud and happy I was. She was the first woman who wore a burkini in a swimwear competition and stated that we, Middle Eastern women, have the courage to express ourselves to the world, while respecting our traditions.
Then, of course, the women of Bahrain inspire me. Every day I see them, and I am amazed by their passion, purposefulness and determination. I always wanted to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for young children, especially girls, to see an Arab woman at the forefront celebrating her culture and identity on an international stage while remembering her values and traditions. I would like to thank the Miss Universe organisation for this opportunity.
You advocate for education – is there anything else you’d love to study and learn more about?
I always search for something new to learn. For now, I’m planning to study psychology. All my friends can tell you my good predisposition for this interesting science; maybe I got it from my mother, who holds a psychology degree. All sciences are important, but for me our whole life rests on psychology. It is interaction with others and with yourself. I want to be more useful in this area for those looking for harmony in life.
What is your advice for anyone wanting to enter the competition?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself; share your experience and knowledge with others; you can be more helpful than you think. It’s an amazing opportunity to represent your beloved country and express yourself to other women.
What is the greatest advice you’ve received to date that helped you to become the successful person you are?
Always believe in your dreams, and remember that you are the only one who can make it happen. Don’t compare yourself to others; God created all of us in our own unique way. And never think of defeat; challenge yourself, and you will be a better version of yourself which is the main goal of our life.
What is your ultimate goal?
Unfortunately, children with a cleft suffer from external conditions that prevent them from breathing, eating and hearing. I’m planning to increase awareness of this issue to help children living with a cleft. Also, my goal is to help charities such as Smile Train, which is very close to my heart.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am excited to start my official training. I will be flying to the Philippines to start my official training and also officially start my international engagements under the supervision of the Miss Universe Bahrain family. I am so excited to keep you updated on all the latest happenings in my preparations which I will be sharing on social media. Also, please continue to pray and support me in this journey. I hope to make all Bahrainis proud.
Follow @missuniversebahrain and @khalifa.evlin on Instagram for the latest updates.
