UJ alumna Bryoni Govender reflects on Miss Universe journey and advocacy for women’s legal rights

Representing South Africa on the world stage was a dream come true for  University of Johannesburg (UJ) alumna Bryoni Govender.

“I felt so privileged to be able to wear my country across my heart and to take people on a journey through our diversity and resilience. It was just an honour for me to have that opportunity.”

She said one of the biggest lessons she learned from taking part in Miss Universe was that only you can define how you show up to your situations.

The 27-year-old raised the flag high as she competed against 84 other women for the coveted Miss Universe title last month in San Salvador, El Salvador.  Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios won the title.

Govender made it to the Top 20 of the competition and was named one of the Top 10 silver finalists in Miss Universe 2023’s Voice For Change where she spoke about her advocacy campaign Her Way Out.

“I definitely worked hard and expected more for myself but the journey does not stop there and it is now up to me to continue the legacy that has been created.”

Govender will continue to work with Miss South Africa, fulfilling her duties as the first runner-up to current Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert.

It was during her studies at UJ in 2018 that she entered the pageant for the first time making it to the Top 12.

“It was quite difficult balancing my studies and the competition because I was in my penultimate year of my Law studies so I took some time off to focus on Miss South Africa because on its own it is a full-time job that requires all your attention. I had explained it to my lecturers and they understood and helped me finish the rest of my studies.”

 

Govender decided to wait a few more years before trying her luck once more with the pageant.

“I wanted first to prioritise my education and the purpose I had set out for myself which was to become a lawyer. By the time I entered again, I knew the power of what it takes to be a Miss South Africa and the importance of having a voice of relevance.”

Govender took the leap of faith and resigned from her job to focus on the competition.

Now, through her campaign Her Way Out, she has found a way to balance her career and current job title.

Speaking on her years spent at UJ, Govender said she loved how the environment encouraged her to stay focused.

“Being in the Faculty of Law, one of the best in the country, there was so much support and help to learn both theoretically and practically. When I finished studying, while chatting to colleagues in the industry, I realised just how privileged we are to study at UJ.”

Her advice to students, as someone who has set goals for herself and reached for her dreams, Govender encouraged them to stay strong in their beliefs.

“You may not be successful the first or second time around but if you believe in something, it is so important to never let go of that belief. Sometimes it may not be the right time but if you give up on yourself you won’t realise that. Don’t be afraid to fail, have hope, reevaluate yourself, and try again. If it is for you, it will find you at the right time. This is not just about following your dream but also choosing something to study and following the course.”

Govender is continuing to work on her campaign and hoping to grow it into something that will really help people. As the country observes 16 Days of Activism, Govender is accelerating her campaign’s work.

“As a lawyer I am passionate about empowering women and I have seen how effective our law in South Africa is when it comes to the constitution. I wanted to start an initiative that helps women because they are the most vulnerable group of people in our society and need the most protection. Her Way Out is an initiative that allows women to find their way out. It is specifically targeted at empowering women in their legal rights and helping them to find platforms to better themselves. I’ve partnered with a legal firm and we have been working with Gender Based Violence victims in the courts, and working with women-led initiatives to help them.”

South Africa observes 16 Days of Activism from 25 November to 10 December every year.