Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

“I want to encourage women not to feel weak. Don't be afraid to speak out.”

“My hope is that Unbreakable will inspire women to believe in themselves, to value themselves and to know that asking for help does not mean you are weak.”

“I don't believe in handouts, I believe in working hard for what you want.”

“In some places, women get paid 75 percent of what men earn for doing the same job, working the same hours, and I do not believe that is right.”

“I had to play for a soccer team, I had to be an athlete, I had to make straight As. I was very hard on myself, and it paid off now.”

“When you enjoy the moment you're in, it shows in your actions, it shows in your words, in your expressions and in your eyes.”

“I'd love to meet Thuli Madonsela, as she is such a powerful and dynamic woman.”

“In my carjack I immediately knew not to resist. I put my hands up, I didn't make eye contact, I didn't speak with them, I didn't argue with them, and he searched me - I knew he was going to search me, because I was told they would probably search you for phones or keys. I think once you expect something it's not as scary.”

“Crime against the vulnerable individuals of society is a worldwide problem and as women, we need to know how to defend ourselves both physically and emotionally.”

“Winning the Miss Universe title was not only a personal victory but a victory for the whole rainbow nation. I couldn't be more proud to represent South Africa. I hope this will inspire every single girl with a dream, that with hard work and dedication any dream is reachable.”

“I started a campaign in South Africa called Unbreakable where I empower women all over my country with skills and knowledge how to handle difficult situations, and I really hope to use the Miss Universe platform to elevate that cause.”

“When you are yourself, there is no wrong and there is no right, because being authentic and true to who you are and owning it is all anyone could ever ask of you.”

“Nothing will land on your lap, you need to work hard and fight for your dreams.”

“Meeting people from different countries makes you realise that everyone around the world has the same needs and aspirations.”

“I think we should have equal work for equal pay for women all over the world.”

“To ask for help does not make you weak. And that was something I felt after I was carjacked. I felt shame. I felt embarrassed. I felt weak about it. That's not the case at all. Once I did get help, I managed to overcome it and make something special with it, instead of not doing anything about it.”

“A woman should be allowed to be whoever and whatever she wants to be and she should be respected for that.”