By: Natasha Archary

Miss SA runner-up Bryoni Natalie Govender says colorism within the Indian community made her question her beauty for a long time, but now, her skin tone is her superpower.
The 27-year old who had her Miss SA dreams dashed, losing out to her roommate, Natasha Joubert said because of her dark skin tone, she never felt beautiful as a young girl.
In an interview with the South African, the LLB law graduate, and candidate attorney, shared what was once a beauty insecurity, is now her strength and power, as she owns her rich, melanin skin.
“When I was a little girl, I didn’t think I was beautiful because I was rich in melanin.
I’ve got a dark skin tone, pigmented gums. Those are things I’ve never seen anywhere. We always look at Miss India and all these beautiful Indian women, and they never look like you.
Colourism is a real thing. Not only amongst Indian people, but each and every community has something that goes on with regards to colourism, and I want to break that mould.”
Bryoni Govender, as quoted from The South African
Bryoni’s views about beauty standards within the Indian community are valid, as the misconception is that the lighter the skin, the more beautiful and attractive a woman is.
This can be noted with the Bollywood movie industry, where all female leads flawless, “milky white” skin.
The Miss Universe South Africa contestant said her narrative about her beauty started to change after she watched Bridgerton, Season 2, and noticed the female lead, Simone Ashley looked like her.
Ashley, an Indian-born actress, also has a darker skin tone, but after her role in the hit series, she became a sought-after actress, whose beauty caught the attention of the world.
Bryoni hopes to be an inspiration to women who are under-represented, not just in South Africa, but anywhere in the world.
“It’s a very, very proud moment for me and I’m very excited and I hope that it makes someone feel heard and seen.
I don’t want to stop here, this for me is the beginning, and I really want to go out there and preach that message to many people, not only in the pageant industry.”
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