Angola To Host 'Miss Landmine Survivor' Pageant

Can Tran March 26, 2008

While the 27-year civil war had ended in Angola back in 2002, there are still millions of landmines still planted throughout the country. However, getting rid of all landmines from the country is easier said than done. In order to increase awareness of this crisis along with giving confidence back to landmine victims, a special beauty pageant has been organized by Angola’s de-mining commission.

There will be eighteen female contestants that represent the 18 provinces of Angola. All contestants are victims of landmines. The pageant will be taking place on April 2 in Angola’s capital of Luanda.

The pageant is known as “Miss Landmine Survivor.” Its mission is to give back confidence to those and especially women that were injured in landmine explosions. According to Madelena Neto, who coordinates the commission, women still have beauty though they are missing limbs as a result of landmine explosions.

In a sense, the pageant and the participants advocate awareness of the crisis that is posed by landmines.

This pageant is another step to spreading awareness. Unfortunately, there are still millions of landmines littered across Angola. It is already a difficult task to get rid of landmines at the same time spread awareness. At the same time, it is also a feat to improve the quality of the lives of such victims.

So far, Angola’s struggling with both.