Somalia (Washington Insider Magazine) – While many in Somalia gathered to watch the Euro football final, hundreds of Mogadishu’s most fashionable residents convened at the beachside Elite Hotel for the Miss Somalia pageant on Sunday night. This event unfolded against a backdrop of stark contrasts, as a car bomb exploded nearby, killing at least five people and injuring around 20. The militant group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.
A Symbol of Resilience and Change
According to BBC, In 2021, Hani Abdi Gas created the Miss Somalia pageant, to empower women in a country known for its strict culture and continue strife with Islamist terrorists. Growing up in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp, Gas returned to Somalia in 2020, motivated to raise women’s voices and integrate them more fully into society.
Diverse Contestants Represent Somali Culture
The competition featured women from different backgrounds, including a policewoman, reflecting the different roles that women play in Somali society. The contestants wore colourful, figure-hugging dresses, in stark contrast to the traditional dress of many Somali women. Twenty-four-year-old Aisha Ikow, a university student and make-up artist from South-West state, won the Miss Somalia title and $1,000 in prize money. Ikow plans to use her platform to campaign against early marriage and promote girls’ education.
Cultural and Religious Backlash
Despite its intentions, the Miss Somalia pageant has faced significant opposition. Many view beauty contests as contrary to Islamic values and Somali culture. Critics argue that such events objectify women and clash with traditional norms. Clan leader Ahmed Abdi Halane expressed his disapproval, emphasizing the cultural and religious expectations for women to dress modestly and stay out of the public eye.
Judging and Public Participation
The pageant’s judges included founder Hani Abdi Gas, a youth ministry representative, and Miss Somalia 2022. They evaluated contestants based on physical beauty, catwalk presence, attire, and public speaking. An online public vote, costing $1 per vote, helped fund the event and future international pageant participations.
A Glimpse into Somalia’s Harsh Realities
The glamour of the Miss Somalia pageant starkly contrasts with the daily struggles of most Somali women. The UN estimates that between 70% and 80% of displaced Somalis are women, with high rates of gender-based violence and female genital mutilation. Despite these challenges, the existence of such a pageant signifies a shift in attitudes and security in Somalia. Holding this event, even amidst nearby violence, marks a notable change from the days when al-Shabab controlled the capital and such gatherings were unthinkable.
A Testament to Change and Hope
The Miss Somalia competition, held in a luxury seafront hotel, reflects the country’s evolving cultural and security landscape. The audience remained until the early hours, undeterred by the nearby explosion, highlighting the resilience and hope for a brighter future in Somalia.
