- Miss Pakistan Erica Robin made a powerful statement during the Miss Universe pageant on Saturday.
- Robin wore a burkini during the pageant's swimsuit competition.
- She is the first woman to represent Pakistan at Miss Universe.
The 72nd Miss Universe pageant has been full of historical firsts.
And that continued as the first-ever Miss Pakistan made a statement in a baby-pink burkini during the swimsuit competition.
The crowd in San Salvador, El Salvador, roared with applause as Erica Robin began her walk across the Miss Universe stage on Saturday.
Robin, who placed in the top 20, is the first-ever Miss Pakistan to compete in the pageant.
The 24-year-old is a model and, according to her Miss Universe bio, among the 1% of Christians in Pakistan.
"I'm most proud of standing up for what I believe in my life. Recently, right after I was announced as the new titleholder for Miss Universe Pakistan, I received some backlash from different sectors of the community, but I would like to stand up for what I believe in," Robin said in her bio.
"Despite these criticisms, I was ready to face any challenges ahead of me while maintaining my values as a young modern Pakistani woman, representing our rich culture and heritage, and showing the world that Pakistan can celebrate the success of women," she added.
Robin uses her platform to advocate for gender equality in the workplace, and she volunteers at the Karachi Down Syndrome charity.
Robin wasn't the only woman in the top 20 to make history at Miss Universe.
Miss Nepal Jane Dipika Garrett was the first body-inclusive contestant to compete at Miss Universe, and Miss Colombia Camila Avella was the first married woman and mother to place since Miss Universe changed its rules in August 2022. Miss Portugal Marina Machete was also the first transgender contestant to place in the top 20.