The complex role of beauty pageants in the emancipation of women worldwide THE COMPLEX ROLE OF BEAUTY PAGEANTS IN THE EMANCIPATION OF WOMEN WORLDWIDE While criticized for their focus on physical appearances, beauty pageants have also provided a platform for women to express themselves, gain confidence, and advocate for causes they care about. Historically, beauty pageants have often been associated with stereotypes of femininity and physical perfection, sparking debates about their relevance in the struggle for gender equality. However, over time, many participants have used their visibility to address important issues such as women's rights, education, health, and the fight against domestic violence. As an historian of art, I did research on the essence of beauty pageants such as Miss France. For many contestants, beauty pageants represent an opportunity to access media platforms and raise awareness about societal issues. By winning titles and participating in events, they have been able to influence social perceptions and promote ideals of independence, strength, and determination. Furthermore, some modern pageants integrate criteria for judging that are more focused on intelligence, community engagement, and personal achievements, reflecting an evolution towards a more holistic view of beauty and female empowerment. Today, I feel ready to have a profond discussion about this topic confronting history, my analysis but also what I experienced. Clémence Botino
