The Miss Netherlands pageant was a staple of Dutch culture, revered for showcasing women of poise, ambition, and beauty. For years, the event celebrated physical attributes while promising empowerment through public recognition. Winners were catapulted into national fame, their journeys inspiring young women to aspire to perfection – a concept that is now being profoundly questioned.
While the competition often adapted to modern ideals, the ultimate standard remained: appearances mattered most. Monica van Ee, the competition’s director, acknowledged this pressure, citing the “unreal images of beauty” perpetuated by social media as a growing concern. These digital constructs, far removed from reality, exacerbate insecurities among young women, undermining self-worth and confidence.
A Shift Towards Self-Expression and Mental Health
The closure of the pageant comes as a direct response to societal demands for change. The decision is not merely about ending a competition but reimagining how empowerment can manifest in an evolving cultural landscape. “No Longer of This Time” replaces sequins and sashes with stories that inspire connection, self-expression, and solidarity. The initiative focuses on vital issues such as mental health, diversity, and the adverse effects of social media, stepping away from a culture of judgement and comparison.
Beauty pageants, by their nature, invite critique. Contestants face intense public scrutiny, often subjected to demeaning commentary about their appearance, race, or abilities. Van Ee’s statement highlights this dilemma: feedback like “she is too White” or “she is too Black” creates a divisive atmosphere, detracting from the event’s core message of empowerment. Rather than perpetuating a cycle of negativity, the organisers chose to invest in a platform that unifies and uplifts.
Rikkie Kollé: A Symbol of Victory and Change
The pageant’s final chapter coincided with Rikkie Kollé’s historic win as the first transgender woman crowned Miss Netherlands. Kollé’s victory was a moment of profound significance, challenging societal norms and celebrating inclusivity within the beauty world. Her journey – from facing adversity as a child to standing confidently on an international stage – resonates deeply in an era that champions diversity and acceptance.
Kollé used her platform to advocate for a broader, more inclusive definition of beauty. In a statement reflective of her resilience, she declared, “Victory” as her defining word, embodying triumph over societal expectations. This representation matters. For countless individuals who feel excluded by traditional standards, her story serves as a beacon of possibility, proving that beauty lies in authenticity.
Modernising Traditions: Pageants in a Changing World
The closure of Miss Netherlands mirrors a global trend within the beauty pageant industry. Long criticised for objectifying women and promoting unrealistic ideals, these contests face mounting pressure to evolve. Miss Universe, for instance, has embraced progressive reforms in recent years, lifting restrictions that once excluded mothers, married women, and those over 28 years old. Such changes acknowledge that beauty – and a woman’s worth – transcends arbitrary criteria.
Yet, these reforms also reveal deeper tensions. Pageants remain tied to commercial interests and cultural traditions that resist rapid change. As seen in controversies surrounding Miss USA’s alleged mismanagement and toxic conditions, the road to transformation is fraught with challenges. Questions linger: can pageants genuinely empower women, or are they inherently outdated in an age that prioritises mental well-being and inclusivity?
The Rise of New Platforms for Empowerment
Initiatives like “No Longer of This Time” offer an alternative path. By moving away from traditional competitions, these platforms prioritise stories over appearances, fostering environments where young people can thrive without the weight of societal expectations. The focus on mental health, in particular, is a welcome shift. Today’s youth face unprecedented pressures, fuelled by social media and unattainable standards of perfection. Addressing these issues head-on is not only timely but necessary.
Furthermore, the platform’s emphasis on diversity and self-expression reflects broader societal movements towards inclusion. By celebrating individuality rather than conformity, initiatives like this pave the way for a new era of empowerment – one where crowns are replaced by meaningful connections and personal growth.
A Farewell to Outdated Norms
The end of the Miss Netherlands pageant signifies more than the closure of a long-standing tradition; it marks a cultural turning point. As society evolves, so too must the institutions that shape it. Beauty pageants, once emblematic of glamour and aspiration, now face a reckoning. The glamour remains, but its relevance is fading in the face of more pressing issues.
The transition to “No Longer of This Time” acknowledges this reality. It represents a conscious choice to move away from outdated norms, embracing a future where empowerment is measured not by appearances but by authenticity, resilience, and connection. In doing so, it sets an example for other institutions grappling with similar challenges: adapt to the changing world, or risk becoming irrelevant.
Empowerment Beyond Crowns
In the wake of this transformation, one question remains: what does empowerment look like in today’s world? For decades, pageants promised empowerment through external validation – crowns, titles, and applause. Yet, true empowerment lies within. Platforms that champion self-expression, mental well-being, and inclusivity offer a more meaningful path forward.
The closure of Miss Netherlands is not an end but a new beginning. It reflects a society that values authenticity over appearances, stories over spectacle, and connection over competition. In this changing world, the true winners are those who embrace themselves fully – unapologetically and without compromise.
