Snit Habteab Becomes First Eritrean to Compete at Miss World
Eritrea will make its historic debut at the Miss World pageant as Snit Habteab takes the stage in Vietnam. The 27-year-old neuroscientist, Montessori educator and disability rights advocate will represent the nation at the 75th Miss World Festival, scheduled from August 9 to September 5, 2026.
Born and raised in Asmara, Habteab moved to the United States in 2019. She graduated with a degree in Neuroscience from George Mason University in Virginia while working as a Montessori preschool teacher. She turned 26 on February 23, 2025, and is now 27 years old. Inspired by her younger sister, who has Down syndrome, Habteab has become a dedicated advocate for inclusive education and the rights of people with developmental disabilities. Through her nonprofit organization Designing for Diversity, she provides specialized learning materials, family support and professional guidance to help children with special needs thrive in mainstream classrooms. She has also served as a Breast Cancer Awareness Ambassador following the loss of her mother to the disease and has spoken on these issues at international platforms, including the United Nations.
Habteab already holds two significant firsts for Eritrea. She became the first Eritrean to win the Miss Africa USA title in 2023 and the first to represent the country at Miss Universe in 2024. Her Beauty With a Purpose project at Miss World will further advance her work on disability inclusion and support the National Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disability of Eritrea.
Eritrean women are known for their beauty, resilience and strength as mothers and community pillars. The wider Eritrean community stands united behind Habteab and is prepared to support her throughout the competition. Habteab has expressed deep pride in carrying the Eritrean flag, describing her role as a window through which the world can better understand the spirit and values of the nation.
As Habteab prepares to compete, Eritreans at home and across the diaspora celebrate this milestone. Her journey reflects both personal achievement and a broader commitment to advocacy, education and national representation on the global stage.