When I was a Political Science student, I was advised against joining beauty pageants, as it would ruin my chances for a career in this field. To this day, I am asked how parents accept a model as their childrens’ teacher. Like me, many young women are told they’re made to fit into only one box. That beauty and femininity don’t belong in politics or business.

They say leadership is a masculine trait. However, recent studies show that women may be more efficient leaders precisely due to what some might call “feminine characteristics”: the ability to connect and relate to others,exhibiting concern for the community, mentoring and developing their team.

Only six countries have at least 50% women in parliament, although we make up roughly half the world’s population. The lack of female representation denies us the chance to enact systemic change that would benefit all.

And it all starts with education. We need to start teaching children that their gender doesn’t confine them to a certain life path.

I am a policy analyst, teacher and beauty queen. And I hope to prove at the G20 table that femininity doesn’t make you less capable of being a leader. In fact, it might actually make you a great one.