A number of well-known and progressive women’s organisations on April 22 called for the cancellation of the 72nd Miss World Beauty Pageant, scheduled to take place in Hyderabad from May 7 to 31. They criticised the BJP-led Union government for consistently allowing such obscene events, stating that the commodification of women’s bodies must be stopped and that real empowerment should be ensured.
In a joint statement, they said that for decades, these pageants have been held in various countries around the world, often amid protests. They said such events actually denigrate women’s dignity and modesty, turning them into commercial commodities.
“This is how capital devalues women – it turns their bodies into commercial commodities. It lures girls to dream about a golden world of fame and recognition, but the real picture is dark and brutally exploitative…. Under the guise of intellect and rights over the body, it is actually a trivialisation of bodily autonomy.… the event being broadcast live worldwide, creates a false narrative of women empowerment. It simply serves to sell the products of large companies by objectifying women’s bodies.”
They also criticised the Congress-led Telangana government, stating that hosting this event reflects its misguided ambitions.
The statement was released by AIDWA, AIMSS, All India Coordination of POW-PMS-IJM, All India Progressive Women’s Association, and NFIW.