Instead of measurements, Miss Peru contestants share gender violence data
In a first, the judges of Miss Peru beauty pageant were taken by surprise when during the contest, the contestants who were supposed to reveal their body measurements while introducing themselves, chose to speak up about gender violence and women rights and shared a compelling data. They brought forth shocking facts about how gender violence is an alarming situation in Peru.
" 3114 trafficking victims & 2202 cases of femicide"
Miss Peru 2018 winner Romina Lozano who hails from Callaomy revealed that: "I represent the constitutional province of Callaomy and my measurements are: 3114 women victims of trafficking up until 2014." Another contestant Camila Canicoba from Lima said, " My measurements are: 2202 cases of femicide reported in the last nine years in my country."
"5 out of 150 contestants were victims of violence"
The contest organizer, Jessica Newton, told a news agency: "Unfortunately there are many women who do not know and think they are isolated cases." One of the most important facts that she stated was that 5 out of 150 contestants were victims of sexual violence, including rape. She further added that 70% of women in the country are victims of street harassment.
Gender violence is a hot issue in Peru
In South America, Peru stands second to Bolivia with the worst record of sexual violence against women. The Peruvian government reveals that over 800 women have been murdered in gender-related violence and several women raped in the past six years.
A step towards curbing violence
At the end of the contest, the contestants were asked what they would do to curb violence, to which the winner Romina Lozano, said her plan would be "to implement a database containing the name of each aggressor, not only for femicide but for every kind of violence against women. In this way, we can protect ourselves". Contestants also plan to lead a march.
