Miss Venezuela Pageant Breaks Demeaning Stereotype, Refuses To Show Contestant's Vital Stats

Beauty pageants are infamous for propagating an unhealthy body image. Countless women across the world suffering with issues on body image and self-esteem due to exposure to thin-ideal images

In a bid to push back against this stereotype, the?Miss?Venezuela?beauty pageant has taken a decision to?no longer publish contestants’ waist, hip and bust measurements as part of its contest.

The move comes after concerns of the pageant?veering too much towards body image obsession.?

"A woman's beauty isn't 90, 60, 90 ... It is measured by each one's talent,"?Agence France Press?quoted Gabriela Isler, the pageant's spokeswoman and the 2013 Miss Universe, as saying.

The AFP report states that, traditionally, a contestants' vital statistics have been publicized -- with a 90-centimeter (36- inch) bust, 60-centimeter waist and 90-centimeter hips long considered the ideal.

This year, contestants still paraded on stage in swimsuits and evening gowns, but organizers say they want to fight stereotypes about what an ideal woman looks like and hence will not reveal their measurements.

Now, they hope that this new measure will promote a positive body image and combat idealistic stereotypes on what a woman's body is supposed to look like.?

Miss Venezuela is one of the most esteemed beauty pageants in the world, producing seven Miss Universe winners and six Miss World champions.

This year, a?19-year-old student has been crowned Miss Venezuela, becoming the first winner of the annual pageant since it opted not to publish contestants’ measurements.?

“Determination”, “excellence” and “initiative,” marketing student Olvino replied when asked to highlight her main qualities.

In another round, fellow candidate Melissa Jimenez said that "Miss Venezuela has evolved and serves to empower women."? ?

"A woman can inspire others to follow their dreams," she added.

Over the years there have been several instances where women have broken cliches on the ramp walk. In 2018, Chiara Bordi, who lost her leg in a bike accident made headlines after making to Miss Italy's finals.?

She proudly displayed her prosthetic leg during the beauty pageant while she competed in the swimsuit and evening-wear rounds.

"There are all sorts of frustrations and dissatisfactions behind this nastiness," Bordi wrote.?

"I'm not interested in winning, but showing the world that life is still beautiful (even) when reborn after a dramatic event," Bordi told AFP.?