The Quiet Battles Mothers Face: Miss Universe Guinea’s Story of Love and Healing

Inspired by her mother’s experience, Tiguidanké Bereté opens up about the loneliness many women face after giving birth

The Miss Universe fever is on, with 120 candidates now in Thailand to compete for the crown. Amid the drama and controversies making headlines, several contestants are promoting their Beyond the Crown videos — short documentaries highlighting the causes closest to their hearts.

The Philippines’ representative, Ahtisa Manalo, focused on leadership and working with children. Meanwhile, Miss Universe Guinea Tiguidanké Bereté chose to speak about postpartum struggles — something she has personally witnessed in her own family.

The Inspiration Behind Fondation Hasna

Tigui began by sharing her mother’s story — a woman she proudly described as courageous. But after giving birth, her mother experienced a silence no one understood.

“She’s okay during the day. But when she’s alone, she would cry. People would just say she’s tired, that she needed to rest, to pray, and to be strong,” Tigui recalled.

“But no one saw she was lonely behind her smile — lost in the quiet struggle of postpartum pain.”

Tigui said she was too young to understand, but as she grew up, she began to realize the impact of what her mother experienced. It was through her mother that she established the Fondation Hasna — an organization dedicated to supporting mothers by promoting awareness of both their physical health and social well-being.

“My message of love to every mother and my commitment to everyone is to break the silence of mental health,” she said.

Citing data from the World Health Organization, Tigui notes that many women go through mental health challenges after giving birth, particularly depression. More women in developing countries experience it, she adds.

Highlighting Postpartum Issues

Tigui shared that she and the members of her organization are developing a TV show to highlight postpartum issues and mental health.

“It’s a space for truth, courage, and real stories,” she explained. “For mothers everywhere, it’s a chance to finally be seen and understood.”

The beauty queen adds that through the foundation’s work, they hope to reach more mothers who need to be seen, understood, and listened to.

More Than the Glam

Beauty queens are often seen as prim and proper, but Tigui’s advocacy goes beyond appearances. Her focus on postpartum health feels especially relevant now that the Miss Universe Organization allows mothers to compete.

An advocate for mental health, Tigui shared a post in October about the cause, posing with a baby.

“There is immense joy in holding a baby in your arms, but there is also the exhaustion that wears the chest, the endless nights when doubt and guilt creep in. Some moms feel lost, alone, even surrounded by those who love them,” she wrote in French.

“We need to listen, support, and reach out to every mom. No one should face this invisible storm alone. Mental health is precious, and every mom deserves to be heard, understood, and supported.”

Mothers Need Help

Although mental health has gained attention in recent years, there’s still much work to be done — especially for mothers who bear the brunt of recovery after childbirth while trying to get back on their feet.

Behind the glamour and the gowns, Tiguidanké Bereté is telling a story that every mother deserves to hear — that it’s okay not to be okay after giving birth.

More about postpartum depression

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Postpartum Depression: Yes, It’s Real