For the first time in Ethiopia, a beauty pageant exclusively for pregnant women will be held in Addis Ababa this September.
Tawaqi Events, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National Blood Bank Service, has announced this unique competition through a press release.
The primary objective of the event is to raise awareness about the high rate of maternal mortality in the country, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth.
The organizers aim to emphasize the importance of maternal health and to challenge the existing attitudes towards pregnancy.
By showcasing pregnancy as a period of beauty and strength, they hope to encourage more expectant mothers to prioritize their health and seek regular medical follow-ups.
The competition will feature 15 contestants, with prizes awarded to the top three participants based on their ranking.
The pregnant women will be seen wearing elegant maternity outfits, specially designed for the occasion.
In an interesting twist, the husbands of the contestants will also have the opportunity to participate by answering questions related to pregnancy, with rewards for their contributions.
Open to all healthy and willing expectant mothers, the event is scheduled to take place on September 27, 2024, under the title “Pregnant Beauty Queen Competition.”
This initiative comes against the backdrop of alarming global maternal mortality statistics. According to a 2017 study, 295,000 women worldwide died during pregnancy and childbirth.
A staggering 94% of these deaths occurred in developing countries, with 66% (196,000) of the maternal deaths concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia alone, 14,000 maternal deaths were reported in the same year.
Maternal mortality is defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days after delivery due to complications related to the pregnancy or aggravated by it, often exacerbated by inadequate medical care.
The leading causes of maternal death include severe bleeding, high blood pressure during pregnancy, infections, obstructed labor, and unsafe abortions performed by unqualified professionals with inadequate medical equipment.
Contributing factors to maternal mortality include delays in deciding to seek medical care, delays in reaching healthcare facilities, and delays in receiving the necessary medical treatment once at a facility. Maternal mortality rates also vary significantly by age group, with young girls aged 10–14 at a particularly high risk.
This groundbreaking beauty pageant seeks to not only celebrate the beauty of pregnancy but also to address these critical issues and encourage positive changes in maternal health practices across Ethiopia.
