BROADCASTS.com

Beauty pageants project an image of inspiring glitz and glamour. Often contestants enter these competitions to boost their confidence and take advantage of the platform they provide. \nBut, there are plenty of critics who argue they objectify women, and are out of place in a world striving for gender equality. \nIn this week\u2019s Why Factor, Sandra Kanthal asks: in an age of female empowerment, why do women still compete in beauty pageants?

Presented and Produced by Sandra Kanthal\nEditor: Richard Knight

Audio clips courtesy of: \nBinibining Pilipinas 2010- Crowning Moment\nAudio: From Youtube footage Credit: Name: tpageant\nVirtually Viral \u2013 Guys Go Insane over Miss Philippines \nAudio: From Youtube footage Credit: Name: Virtually Viral\nMiss Universe 2015\nAudio: From Youtube footage Credit: Name: Vevo/Fox\nMiss Peru 2017\nAudio: From Youtube footage Credit: Name: Guardian News

Photo: Silhouette of woman holding a beauty queen crown \nCredit: Getty Images