By: Chloe Staudenmaier
On Sunday, March 8, 2020, thousands of people around the world celebrated the annual International Women’s Day. Annually, this day celebrates and inspires women to be the best versions of themselves. The theme of International Women’s Day this year was gender equality with the hashtag “Each for Equal.”
In the past, pageants have degraded women; however, pageantry has adapted to empower women today. The Miss America Organization focuses on the empowerment of young women through education and community service. The four points of the crown focus on style, service, scholarship, and success in women. The organization has moved away from judging based on physical appearance towards evaluating a young woman’s determination and intelligence. Recently, the organization has undergone many reforms, including the removal of the swimwear phase with the addition of a social impact statement. Each young woman supports a social impact initiative, which she will promote throughout her title year. These women demand their voices be heard and inspire change in the world around them. In addition to promoting their initiative, these young women help raise funds to support the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Special Olympics. Since 2007, Miss America candidates have contributed tens of thousands of community service hours annually and have raised over $19 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Miss America scholarships.
Along with women proclaiming their rights and beliefs on March 8, women in pageantry have demanded the organization direct the judging away from physical appearance and poise towards intelligence and character. Not only should International Women’s Day be celebrated on its designated day, but every day women should be respected and voice their opinions!