Miss England Says Zara Holland’s Actions On TV Are “Degrading To Women”
These are the opinions of Miss England Natasha Hemmings, who represented England at Miss World in 2015.
Is it right that Zara Holland has had her Miss GB title and crown taken away from her? Yes, absolutely.
I haven’t actually watched the episode that is making national news, but it is my understanding that she acted in an undignified way. It is degrading to women and directly opposed to the role model she was chosen to be after winning a Miss GB title.
I’d like to clarify, for those who aren’t familiar with the ways in which pageants are structured, there are two ‘Miss Great Britain’ contests held annually, neither of which are associated with the official Miss World contest.
As the official Miss England, I feel that Zara has acted irresponsibly, thus spreading a negative opinion of pageants in this country. This directly impacts upon people like me and my fellow competitors.
Miss England is the only contest in the country to hold 70 qualifying heats and is part of Miss World, and competes against the other destinations in the UK for the title of Miss United Kingdom. Her actions have indirectly damaged the reputation of the oldest and biggest surviving contest in the world.
Various pageants have arisen over the years copying the Miss World competition. These copycat events even give girls the opportunity to buy their sashes and titles through the post! In Miss England and Miss Universe GB - not the title Zara was until recently holding, which qualifies for a Miss Tourism contest - the girls are expected to promote themselves as role models to younger women. We do this by behaving in a professional manner and actively fundraising in our own communities, not appearing on reality TV shows like this. Beauty with a purpose is at the heart of Miss World - not parading around in skimpy swimsuits and behaving badly on television.
This ensures that the winners are hardworking, intelligent girls who respect their title, and hold ambitions of inspiring the younger generations to grow into strong independent women - the kind of women who would stand up for causes dear to their hearts.
Previous Miss England’s include Carina Tyrell, a student Doctor from Cambridge, Katrina Hodge a former British Soldier, and Kirsty Heslewood, who was made a Freeman of the City for her incredible charity work. These are the real role models, not the negative image that has been portrayed here. We should be helping young women develop and reach their full potential.
Pageants should not be about “Fame Grabbing” or becoming an international model. Contestants should be selfless, charitable, hard-working, and most importantly they should give women a voice on a national and global platform, enabling them to make a difference in today’s society.
Above: Left - Natasha supporting volunteers on Remembrance Sunday, right - at Mount Vernon Hospital, visiting the RAFT charity lab
I am proud to represent the Miss England organisation and the title holders in our competition are a credit to us and themselves. I feel that Zara has undone our hard work and dedication.
Finally, as a feminist - although I do not agree with Zara’s actions or ethics- the young man involved, Alex Bowen, should also be answering to the same responsibility. There were two people involved here.
Natasha Hemmings
Represented England at Miss World 2015 in Sanya China
Image credit: Simon Giddings, ITV, Facebook/Natasha Hemmings, Jamie Lundy / Bluejam Productions