Promiscuous tag on pageantry untrue – Miss Africa 2016

daniel russell

May 18, 2016 6:27 PM

There have been speculations that pageants in contest are often sexually exploited by some men who may be part of the organisation or even judges with the promise that they will be made winners.

Rebecca Asamoah, Miss Africa 2016 in the middle

Newly crowned Miss Africa,

Some have also cited the manner in which these contestants dress and flaunt body parts expected to be covered as the basis for their argument.

But speaking to Abrantepa on Radio Univers’ mid-morning show, Brunch2Lunch, Tuesday, Rebecca said the perceptions are false.

According to her, pageantry rather helps in among other things, educating and building the confidence level of participants.

“With the society we are coming from, there is this misconception about pageantry. They think it is full of promiscuity and all that. They tend to discourage individuals who would want to take part. I have had an experience, I would say to them that they shouldn’t listen to such claims. I would appeal to parents to give their kids the opportunity to come out,” she noted.

“Beauty pageantry empowers you to come out from your shell. It will also groom you to become a better person. You will learn a lot and at the same time, you will go places. We don’t expose ourselves. It’s never true. To be honest with you, we never wore bikini at Miss Africa. It shows you how decent you could be as a queen,” the twenty-four year old added.

Rebecca, a dental hygienist, beat eleven finalists shortlisted from an original list of forty contestants from across the continent for the crown. The event came off in Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday.

She is the first Ghanaian to win the contest. The first Runner-up was Michelo Malambo of Zambia, while South Africa's Jemimah Kandimiri was placed third.

The pageant was created by South African Film Producer Neo Mashishi, who said it is aimed at empowering young African women.

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daniel russell