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Ethiopia is beaming with pride, and here’s why, Hasset Dereje, a 19-year-old beauty queen, has just made history. She finished as 1st Runner-Up at Miss World 2025 and was crowned Miss World Africa.
This is Ethiopia’s highest placement in over 20 years. The last time something like this happened was in 2003 when Hayat Ahmed made it to the Top 20 and also won Miss World Africa.
This year’s Miss World pageant took place at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, India. With 108 contestants from all around the world, the competition was tough. But Hasset stood out. Round after round, she wowed the judges and made it all the way to the Top 4 in the world
But Hasset is not just about beauty and poise, she’s also smart and kind-hearted. She’s currently studying Chemical Engineering at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University.
And through her “Beauty With a Purpose” project, she focused on helping students in rural Ethiopian schools learn about mental health by creating safe spaces for education and counseling.
In her final speech to the judges, she said something that really touched hearts:
“True beauty lies in the ability to uplift others when they are most vulnerable.”
That says a lot about who she is.
After the event, Hasset shared a touching message on Instagram:
“This title is not just mine; it belongs to Africa.”
She thanked her family, especially her aunt, and everyone who supported her throughout the journey.
Hasset’s win isn’t just a personal victory, it’s a huge inspiration to young African girls everywhere.
She’s proving that true beauty comes from the heart, from using your voice, and from standing up for what matters. And with her new crown, she’s ready to take her message even further, especially in the area of youth mental health.
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In a world where beauty is no longer just about looks, Hasset Dereje is the perfect example of what it really means to shine with brains, purpose, and a whole lot of heart.
Photo: @hasset_dereje | Instagram
