Less than two months remain until the highly anticipated grand finale of one of the world’s most esteemed beauty pageants, Miss Supranational. Representing Ghana is the remarkable Miss Helen Demey, who will proudly hoist the red-gold, green, and black star flag in Poland. It is often argued that beauty pageants convey an impression of promiscuity.

In December 2017, three former Miss Ghana beauty queens boldly claimed that the pageant industry subjects young women to abuse, exploitation, and the solicitation of relationships with older men in exchange for financial gain and sponsorship opportunities. Beauty pageants have faced criticism for their strict regulations, as married women and mothers were not permitted to participate until earlier this year. Many concerns have also been raised as to why Africa is not making the airwaves on the international stage.

Given these drawbacks, it begs the question: Do the negatives of beauty pageants outweigh the positives? To delve into this discussion, let us join Miss Helen Demey, the reigning Miss Supranational Ghana 2023.