Paul Morrell, the founder and director of the Men Empowerment Network (MEN), has raised concerns about the normalization of beauty pageants in Fiji, suggesting they may represent a form of exploitation. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about allegations of bullying and body shaming linked to the Miss Fiji Pageant, specifically voiced by Dr. Peggy Ravusiro, Miss Fiji 2025, who detailed her distressing experiences with pageant officials.
Morrell responded to an inquiry from The Fiji Times regarding the inadvertent effects of gender equality initiatives that may foster new forms of marginalization for women. He argued that beauty pageants, including notable events like the Hibiscus Festival, have become so entrenched in cultural practices that their impacts often go unquestioned.
“Beauty pageants and similar events serve as platforms for the exploitation of women, yet society fails to recognize this exploitation because it has become a customary part of our lives,” Morrell stated. He emphasized that women participating in these events are subjected to public scrutiny and judgment based on their appearance, performance, and even their personal expression, largely driven by commercial interests.
He drew parallels between modern pageants and historical practices that objectified women, suggesting that under the guise of empowerment, society is perpetuating harmful behaviors. “While we tell ourselves this is about women’s empowerment and talent showcase, a closer examination reveals exploitation of our young girls,” Morrell asserted.
Highlighting the need for a shift in narrative, Morrell encouraged young women to appreciate their individuality and self-worth free from societal pressures or rigid expectations. He expressed, “We should affirm to them that they are beautiful just as they are, regardless of height or weight.”
Interestingly, Morrell also pointed out the silence from women’s organizations in response to the concerns raised about pageants, questioning the lack of criticism from these groups. His observations offer a critical perspective on the ongoing discussions about gender representation and the societal acceptance of beauty standards that can perpetuate marginalization.
The conversation surrounding beauty pageants continues to evolve, with critical voices advocating for a re-examination of societal norms and encouraging a broader understanding of empowerment that celebrates individuality over objectification.