Paul Morrell, founder and director of the Men Empowerment Network (MEN), has raised significant concerns regarding the normalization of beauty pageants in Fiji, suggesting that they may represent a form of exploitation. His remarks follow a series of allegations about bullying and body shaming within the Miss Fiji Pageant, notably made by Miss Fiji 2025, Dr. Peggy Ravusiro.
In an interview with The Fiji Times, Morrell pointed out that societal events like beauty competitions have become so entrenched that their adverse effects are seldom examined. He questioned the true nature of these pageants, asserting that they predominantly exploit women, a perspective often overlooked due to their normalization in culture.
He emphasized that during these events, women are publicly evaluated based on appearance, behavior, and speech, all within contexts heavily influenced by commercial interests. “Women are exploited on stages where businessmen throw money at them while the community judges how they look, how they dance, how they speak,” Morrell stated, drawing parallels between modern pageants and past practices in which women were assessed for their physical looks.
Morrell further critiqued the narrative that beauty pageants empower women, arguing that such an assertion misrepresents the reality of the situation. “We tell ourselves this is women’s empowerment. But when you step back and examine it properly, you begin to see the truth. This is the exploitation of our young girls,” he remarked.
Instead, he advocated for a shift in mindset, encouraging young women to appreciate their individuality and worth without conforming to strict societal standards. “We should be telling them, you are beautiful just as you are,” he asserted, promoting a message of self-acceptance that transcends conventional measures of beauty.
Additionally, Morrell highlighted the lack of vocal opposition from women’s organizations regarding these concerns, indicating a need for greater advocacy in support of women’s rights and dignity within societal frameworks. His comments encourage ongoing discussions about the implications of pageants and the importance of fostering an environment that truly uplifts and respects women.
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