Event Overview and Public Backlash
The 72nd Miss World pageant will be held in Hyderabad from May 7–31, 2025, hosted by the Telangana government.
The event is aimed at promoting tourism through the campaign ‘Telangana Zaroor Aana’.
Women’s organisations across India have strongly protested the event, raising concerns about its deeper implications.
Beauty Pageants: Empowerment or Objectification?
Beauty pageants have always been controversial in India, often criticized for reinforcing appearance-based judgments of women.
Though rebranded as platforms for empowerment, they still largely evaluate women on physical traits, conforming to market-driven ideals.
Many participants view these contests as aspirational, offering exposure and opportunities, but the format often rewards curated conformity over true individuality.
Role of Governments and Priorities
Critics question why governments prioritize hosting beauty pageants over investing in forums on women’s health, employment, or development.
Such choices suggest a mindset that still values women’s appearance more than their real-world contributions and challenges.
Public funds and attention are directed towards global visibility rather than local empowerment and infrastructure.
Rethinking Empowerment and Representation
Empowerment should not be judged by runway confidence but by real-life agency, safety, and access to opportunities.
The debate isn’t about being ‘for’ or ‘against’ Miss World, but about re-evaluating how we define success and representation for women.
Women’s groups are advocating for a broader, deeper vision of empowerment — one based on substance, not spectacle.
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