25-year-old Laura Wagner-Meyer lives with a neural tube defect that took her the ability to have a normal body shape. Her spine is severely bent, and she has limited movement in her legs, causing her to use crutches to walk.
The National Library of Medicine explains neural tube defects as serious birth disorders of the central nervous system that occur during embryonic development when the neural tube fails to fully close. These disorders are said to be complex with contributions involving both genetic and environmental factors.
Laura might not have the required traditional body shape of a model, but she went against all stereotypes by entering this year’s competition to become the next Miss South Africa. In an interview with IOL, an online news agency, she explained why she decided to boldly put herself out there. She said her twin sister convinced her to enter, believing that she could win.
IOL reported that Laura had entered the competition before in 2022 and that this was her third time entering. “I had considered it during Zozi Tunzi’s year because I was inspired by the change that she was able to create. So the idea had been sitting there. I needed that bit of validation from my family. As long as my family supports me, I always go out to chase whatever desire I have,” said Laura.
According to the above-mentioned publication, Laura is a model and a fashion designer. She believes that differently-abled people deserve inclusion and opportunities that are equal to all people, especially in the fashion and beauty industry where they usually have little to no representation.“We simply need to feel like there is space for us, that’s what representation is. It’s validating that you’re here and deserve to be,” Laura said.
Laura added that if she wins Miss South Africa, she intends to use the platform to empower and improve communities by providing them with the skills they need to pursue their entrepreneurial goals.
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