Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) coordinator Shamima Ali has expressed strong opposition to beauty pageants, advocating for their removal while encouraging the celebration of Fijian culture through festivals. Her comments come in light of the negative attention surrounding Fiji’s entry into the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant.
Ali articulated the organization’s long-standing objection to beauty contests, asserting that these events not only exploit women and girls but also perpetuate harmful cultural norms. “We are not saying that women do not have a right to take part in these contests, but these events do not exist in a vacuum,” she explained, highlighting the broader societal issues surrounding the commodification of women’s appearances for male approval.
The FWCC has received numerous complaints over the years related to pageant experiences, including allegations of sexual harassment and poor treatment from coordinators and managers. Ali noted that the organization has provided counseling to young women affected by these negative experiences, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift away from competitive beauty standards.
Ali argued for a refocus on festivals that foster community and cultural pride, stating, “There should not be competitions of this manner.” She pointed out that beauty pageants often impose rigid criteria on participants, such as marital status and motherhood, questioning who has the right to judge women in such ways.
She further suggested that if beauty pageants are positioned as platforms for empowerment, they should genuinely serve to uplift women, offering scholarships and personal development opportunities rather than merely evaluating physical appearance.
Ali’s comments resonate with broader conversations around women’s empowerment and the need for cultural practices that promote dignity and respect. As Fiji navigates its identity and global image, the debate on beauty pageants presents an opportunity for ongoing dialogue about gender, culture, and the representation of women in society.
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