How does beauty pageants empower women

I wanted to push my boundaries, to challenge myself and to help myself to not be afraid to make brave or bold decisions. I firmly believe that pageants are for empowered young women who have a vision of making themselves stronger and better, and to empower other women to do the same, and come together as one.

The focus on empowerment is something that the organiser, Holly, is passionate about, more than just the physical beauty of the women who compete. I have learned many things about myself and my confidence has increased over the course of my journey in becoming Miss Teen Devon and competing in the Grand Final of Miss Teen Great Britain in Blackpool.

Backstage waiting for my turn to step into the spotlight was terrifying, my stomach was doing somersaults and I was so nervous. However, such events were not regarded as respectable. Beauty contests became more respectable with the first modern " Miss America " contest held in , though less respectable beauty contests continued to be held.

The organisers deny the allegations that the competition is a camouflage for sexual exploitation, and instead describe it as an awareness event about the importance of children's fitness. Activists say that the competition, though legal, abuses the human rights of minors. Cynthia Etonge 05 January, PM. As Mildret as rightly said below it is a two way thing.

But for those who are not able to participate for instance the weighty girls because the first criteria is too be slim i think its going to make them have a complex about themselves. Mildret Kujinga 05 January, PM. Social Wall. Powered by:.

All Rights Reserved. If we are to value girls and women more — to give them the same opportunities and pay as their male counterparts — we have to stop representing them as objects. However, Hosten believes there is still a place for beauty pageants to be an empowering place for women. For Newland, the pageant movie sub-genre has a lot to offer.

Misbehaviour is released in the UK and Ireland on Friday. If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on BBC Culture, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.

And if you liked this story, sign up for the weekly bbc. Film Identities. Can beauty pageants ever be empowering? But for me, knowing a woman sees her looks—her beauty —as her only form of value or worth, is heartbreaking.

What about starting your own business? And what about working hard and climbing the career ladder to get a job you really want? In fact, I was actually quite shy, and have never enjoyed being the centre of attention. Looking back, I realise all I really wanted was for the world to tell me I was beautiful, so I would finally believe it. And perhaps this is what many of the young women who enter beauty pageants are also hungry for.

For an ego or confidence or self-esteem boost? For validation? Because those of us who have fame and money quickly recognise that material success alone can never make us happy. Not in the long run. However, some former beauty pageant contestants have spoken out on how empowering the process can be. A group of strong women coming together. Bringing awareness to charitable causes.