Beauty contests have always been a subject of controversy.

Some see them as platforms used to

demean women by portraying them as ‘sex objects. Others are of the view that beauty pageants pose a
challenge to women as they subject themselves to judgment based on their physical appearance.

“Beauty is part of what they consider but there are also other values like culture and one’s intellect that
the judges look out for. I think people choose to misinterpret the relevance of beauty contests but their
significance is evident to everyone. The girls that take part in these contests turn out to be responsible
young women who engage in activities that build the country,” he says.

“Beauty pageants are good with diversity. They also serve as a good platform to promote Government
policies related to youth, business and the creative industry, among others. But we need more creativity
in the organization and management of selected beauty queens,

Beauty contests have an impact on women empowerment to a certain extent, for example, during boot
camp, the girls are taught about cultural values and how to develop a project. Even after the contest,
the winner is given a chance to work on that project that helps the community at large. With those
examples, I believe they have an impact on women empowerment.

Yes, they do have an impact to a certain extent though the focus on beauty at times alters the entire
meaning. I wish they could focus on other aspects, such as one’s intellect and the weight of the project
they have. If beauty is left to attribute for only a small percentage in this competition, then these
contests will have a greater impact.
Miss Universe is considered one of the most-watched live TV competitions globally, estimated to have
reached over 1 billion televiewers from 170 countries in one of its coronations nights1. The beauty
pageant, which started in 1952 in California, has received criticisms from human rights advocates and
feminist groups primarily because it is perceived to be commodifying women and promoting Eurocentric
imagery of beauty and unrealistic body structures. Despite these, the competition annually attracts, on
average, 80 representatives from different countries and territories around the globe. Upon winning,
Miss Universe titleholders become household names and sought-after public personalities, especially if
they come from places that follow the pageant religiously, mostly semi and periphery countries. Young
girls, women, and even the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) community from these
countries aspire to participate in the prestige and prizes a winner can get. Beauty contests have an
impact on women empowerment to a certain extent, for example, during boot camp, the girls are
taught about cultural values and how to develop a project. Even after the contest, the winner is given a
chance to work on that project that helps the community at large. With those examples, I believe they
have an impact on women empowerment.

Yes, they do have an impact to a certain extent though the focus on beauty at times alters the entire
meaning. I wish they could focus on other aspects, such as one’s intellect and the weight of the project
they have. If beauty is left to attribute for only a small percentage in this competition, then these
contests will have a greater impact.