Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre coordinator Shamima Ali has called for the elimination of beauty pageants in Fiji, advocating instead for the celebration of the country’s rich culture through alternative festivals. Her stance comes amidst growing concerns over the possible negative implications of Fiji’s involvement in events like the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant.
Ali expressed that the FWCC has a long-standing opposition to beauty contests, citing the potential harm and exploitation that can arise for women and girls participating in them. She emphasized that while women have the right to participate, such contests do not exist in isolation from broader cultural issues that often objectify women. “These events are embedded in a mainstream culture where women are presented for visual consumption, often playing into a narrative geared towards the male gaze,” Ali explained.
The FWCC has documented various instances of troubling incidents in beauty pageants, including allegations of sexual harassment and coercive environments, as well as internal conflicts and inadequate treatment from management. In response to these issues, the organization has offered counseling to women who have experienced trauma as a result of participating in these contests.
Ali highlighted that beauty pageants promote competition among women based on arbitrary standards of beauty, questioning the criteria that often exclude certain individuals, such as mothers or married women. She argued that if such pageants are to be portrayed as empowering, they should instead focus on providing genuine opportunities for women, including educational scholarships and personal development, rather than emphasizing appearance-based competition.
Ali’s comments reflect a broader conversation about the appropriateness and impact of beauty contests in contemporary society. Her call for an end to pageants in favor of fostering a more supportive and respectful environment for women resonates with a growing sentiment aiming to empower rather than exploit. Through festivals that celebrate culture without competition, Fiji can continue to honor its traditions while promoting the empowerment of women in a positive light.