On September 14, Ms. Erica Robin from Karachi was crowned Miss Universe Pakistan. Upon receiving the award, Ms. Erica received backlash from many people in her hometown, especially politicians and religious leaders, who say that her actions insult Pakistan. Many conservative voices claim that Ms. Robin’s involvement in the contest was made without the country’s consent. Prime Minister Anqaar-ul-Haq Kaker has asked Pakistan’s Intelligence agency to investigate how the organizers could hold the pageant without the country’s approval for using its name. Mr. Kaker called the event a “shameful act” and an “insult and exploitation of women of Pakistan.” This article will explore the biography of Ms. Erica Robin and her life leading up to fame, conflicting religious views on beauty standards, and how Miss Pakistan will impact the future of women in Pakistan.
Erica Robin was born on September 14, 1999, to a Christian family in Karachi, Pakistan. She graduated from St. Patrick’s Girls High School and attended the Government College of Commerce and Business Administration in Chandigarh. Erica started her modeling career in January 2020. A few months later, she had her first feature in the DIVA Magazine Pakistan’s July 2020 edition. Erica began participating in more photoshoots and fashion presentations for Pakistan fashion houses like Khaadi, Elan, and Sana Safinaz. Then, in August 2020, she received a job offer as an assistant manager at Flow Digital. She accepted the job and started working and modeling at the same time. Her new position allowed her to travel to the UAE, Turkey, and Maldives. In March 2023, the Dubai-based Yugen Group announced they planned to host their first-ever Miss Universe Pageant and asked Pakistani women to apply. Ms. Robin submitted her application and eventually became among the top 10 competitors. After winning the Miss Universe pageant, she stated, “I am honored and humbled to be the first ever Miss Universe Pakistan. I want to highlight the beauty of Pakistan. Our lovely culture is something the media does not highlight.”
Beauty standards in Pakistan are enforced at a young age. Girls must dress, talk, and act a certain way; if they don’t, they are not deemed beautiful. Social media plays a massive role in the conflict of beauty standards and affects what girls, teens, and women think of themselves. Some of the beauty standards in Pakistan include flawless white skin, petite/slim body frame, good height, and long, straight, shiny hair. From TV to parents and politicians, these beauty standards impact Pakistani women. Statistics show that Pakistan is 96.3 percent Muslim and 1.6 percent Christian. Both religions have various views on beauty standards and how women should dress. In many interpretations off Islam, beauty is a reflection of God’s magnificence and perfection. Islamic tradition encourages women to cover their bodies modestly and wear a hijab to show respect for themselves and their faith. Covering their body does not mean they neglect their appearance. Modesty is showing one’s beauty in a refined and subtle manner. However, many Christians associate beauty with inner purity and holiness. As a little kid, I was always taught, “What you look like outside should be what you are inside,” meaning my outer appearance should reflect my spiritual beauty.
Erica Robin being crowned Miss Pakistan has allowed women to voice their opinions about beauty standards and whether or not beauty pageants should be held in their country. Winning this prestigious title has profoundly impacted Ms. Robin’s life. It has given her a platform to inspire and empower young women and challenge traditional beauty stereotypes in her country. Erica’s passion and fame make a positive difference as she embarks on numerous philanthropic endeavors. In the future, Ms. Robin is determined to pursue a career that combines her love for the fashion industry and passion for advocating for women’s rights and social justice. Miss Pakistan is more than just a beauty queen: she is an impactful role model, an ambassador for Pakistani beauty, and a symbol of inspiration for innumerable young women throughout the country.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.