Beauty pageants
In an era of female empowerment this week’s Why Factor asks: why do women still compete in beauty pageants?
Beauty pageants project an image of inspiring glitz and glamour. Often contestants enter these competitions to boost their confidence and take advantage of the platform they provide.
But, there are plenty of critics who argue they objectify women, and are out of place in a world striving for gender equality.
In this week’s Why Factor, Sandra Kanthal asks: in an age of female empowerment, why do women still compete in beauty pageants?
Presented and Produced by Sandra Kanthal
Editor: Richard Knight
Audio clips courtesy of:
Binibining Pilipinas 2010- Crowning Moment
Audio: From Youtube footage Credit: Name: tpageant
Virtually Viral – Guys Go Insane over Miss Philippines
Audio: From Youtube footage Credit: Name: Virtually Viral
Miss Universe 2015
Audio: From Youtube footage Credit: Name: Vevo/Fox
Miss Peru 2017
Audio: From Youtube footage Credit: Name: Guardian News
Photo: Silhouette of woman holding a beauty queen crown
Credit: Getty Images
Last on
More episodes
Next
Broadcasts
- Mon 4 Mar 201909:06GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa & East Asia only
- Mon 4 Mar 201913:32GMTBBC World Service except News Internet
- Mon 4 Mar 201918:06GMTBBC World Service Australasia
- Mon 4 Mar 201921:06GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Mon 4 Mar 201923:06GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Tue 5 Mar 201902:32GMTBBC World Service
Podcast
![]()
The Why Factor
The extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions



