Quotes from Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

I want to be remembered as a Miss Universe who overcame her fears and helped other women overcome theirs.

It takes one brave woman to implement change and for other women to be able to follow that.

My hair is an important part of who I am and if my hair is healthy and looks great, I feel confident.

I hope I can inspire every little boy and girl to reach their own dreams.

I admire woman like Marissa Mayer, the first female engineer and then CEO of Yahoo. Women who don't only strive to be the equals of men, but who strive to live up to their full potential.

I came out of a building and this woman stopped me, like, 'You're Miss Universe!' And she was a New Yorker! I'm not used to New Yorkers being fans, because they're so blase about it, you know.

I was always interested in politics and I had great leadership skills from a young age.

As a young girl, I would watch the Miss South Africa competition wishing with all my heart that one day I, too, would be able to walk on that stage, just like those glamorous women I saw on television.

I was the first girl in my high school to be chosen as head girl of both my school and my hoste. I was also elected as the Deputy Junior Mayor of the George City Council in grade 11.

Nothing will land on your lap, you need to work hard and fight for your dreams.

I had to play for a soccer team, I had to be an athlete, I had to make straight As. I was very hard on myself, and it paid off now.

I love to experience a new country's culture and history in a fun and memorable way.

My half-sister was born without a cerebellum and is completely disabled. She is my biggest motivator and inspiration, because her situation makes me realize how special life is, and I always want to work twice as hard, enjoy life twice as much so that I can enjoy it for her as well.

HIV/AIDS is a very big problem in my country South Africa, so I hope to stand as an advocate for that.

I was held up at gunpoint a month after I won Miss South Africa.

I started a campaign in South Africa called Unbreakable where I empower women all over my country with skills and knowledge how to handle difficult situations, and I really hope to use the Miss Universe platform to elevate that cause.

Just as with the Miss South Africa platform, I understand the responsibility of being Miss Universe and the impact it has on millions of lives.

Living in New York, no big deal. I am loving New York - there is something about the energy.

I resonate with everything that the Miss Universe organisation stands for, especially empowering women across the globe.

As Miss Universe, you have to be confident in who you are. Miss Universe has to overcome her fears and teach others to do the same. And nothing is ever too much to ask for. That is exactly who I am.

There are so many girls in school who don't know about the opportunities out there. As a graduate, I only realised things about the business world after I completed my studies.

Every person has a choice in every situation and I decided not to be a victim of crime and to not allow myself to be crippled with fear. This is why I started Unbreakable. I wanted to teach women the self-defence skills I learnt during a course I participated in.

Winning the Miss Universe title was not only a personal victory but a victory for the whole rainbow nation. I couldn't be more proud to represent South Africa. I hope this will inspire every single girl with a dream, that with hard work and dedication any dream is reachable.

I'd love to meet Thuli Madonsela, as she is such a powerful and dynamic woman.