“This is the end of the Miss World competition as we know it. Big changes are coming" : Veronika Didusenko

 

Mumbai: On International Women's Day, Columbia Global Centers | Mumbai, a part of Columbia University's global network, convened a thought-provoking panel discussion titled "Voices of Change: Fostering Equity and Inclusion". The event shed light on the persistent challenges and systemic barriers faced by women across various professional domains, featuring insights and advocacies from a diverse group of trailblazers.

Veronika Didusenko, founder of the Right To Be A Mother NGO and an MPA student at Columbia's SIPA, passionately addressed discriminatory practices within the beauty pageant industry. She highlighted her journey from being disqualified as Miss Ukraine for motherhood to spearheading a global initiative for change. Didusenko's advocacy has already influenced positive shifts, including the lifting of restrictions for young mothers by the Miss Universe pageant, setting a precedent for inclusivity.

Gloria Allred, an esteemed women’s rights attorney, emphasized the moral imperative to act for the betterment of others and championed equal rights for women worldwide. With a career spanning over four decades, Allred's legal work has been pivotal in advancing gender equity and fighting discrimination.

Diana Edulji, former India cricket captain and ICC Hall of Fame inductee, represented the trailblazers in sports, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of female athletes.

Danielle Hazel, a professional model and ambassador of the Right To Be A Mother campaign, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in pageantry to challenge gender stereotypes and empower women globally.

Tülin Şahin, a Turkish-Danish supermodel and advocate for UNICEF and UN Women, highlighted the power of resilience and diversity in the fashion industry. She celebrated the role of women in reshaping perceptions of beauty and success.

The panel discussion underscored the transformative potential of collective action in fostering equity and inclusion. As the beauty pageant industry undergoes significant transformation, the event celebrated progress while recognizing the ongoing effort needed to turn ideals of equity and inclusion into concrete realities for all women.