The Price of beauty: Who is paying?

Lately, contracts entered into by beauty contestants and organisers have come under scrutiny. The Miss Universe Botswana contract strips contestants of any controlling rights to their images. Organisers can use their images anywhere and anytime without their consent.

Young women, often enticed by the idea of being publicly declared the fairest of all in glamorous televised broadcasts, usually fall for such terms. Nine Miss Universe Botswana 2013 finalists took the organisers of the pageant and the queen to court saying the contract was generally suppressive.