Maria is the first-ever hijab wearing Muslim beauty queen to compete for England beauty title

Shattering stereotypes, 20-year-old Maria Mahmood is all set to compete for the prestigious title of Miss England, all the while covering her head with hijab. She will become the first ever hijab wearing aspirant for beauty contest.

Maria who has already made it to semi-finals of Miss England competition, hails from Birmingham. If she bags the title, she will represent England in upcoming Miss World beauty pageant later this year.

Maria is studying psychology; she says “Muslims are associated with negative things like terrorism. I’m determined to do my bit to challenge those views.” Her father is a car driver and mother is part-time teacher.