In the Netherlands, a page of history is turning. There will no longer be an annual parade of young women in swimsuits or long dresses: the annual Miss competition ends after 35 years of activity. It is the end of an era according to the organizer who affirms that the Miss Netherlands competition “ no longer of this time “. The competition becomes a new platform dedicated to mental health and sharing positive stories.
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With our correspondent in Brussels, Pierre Benazet
No more tiaras and “Miss Nederland” sashes. The first to have worn this title was in 1980, but this Miss Netherlands pageant was in fact the successor to “Miss Holland”, initiated in 1929. At the time, the event was seen at The Netherlands as a manifestation of female emancipation. A century later, these competitions are on the contrary rather criticized by feminists, who are relayed by Monica van Ee, the organizer of Miss Netherlands, who wants to turn the page of ” negative energy » of recent years.
“More news”
“ Maybe a sash and a crown are no longer relevant. But women supporting and helping each other is timeless for us », Said the organizer in an online message on the new platform.
The competition had caused a lot of commotion the previous year with the election to the title of Miss Netherlands Rikkie Kolle, the first transgender woman, who had been the target of numerous criticisms, and even threats on social networks.
The competition is no longer up to date and is transformed into an online platform aptly named “ More of this time “. This platform aims to share the stories of successful women, but also to highlight the impact of social media and unrealistic beauty standards. The one who won the competition last June becomes the godmother of this platform dedicated to mental health, social media, diversity, personal expression, a place “ where women can help each other and develop. »
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