Kinshasa, October 13th, 2026 (CPA). – A call for beauty pageants in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to be organised on the basis of the contestants’ intellectual, moral and cultural values, rather than their physical appearance, was made on Tuesday in Kinshasa to the government by a representative of the Naomi Design brand, during a discussion with CPA.
“Organising a Miss contest in the Democratic Republic of Congo must no longer be merely a beauty pageant. It is a mission. Physical beauty is fleeting, but values endure,” has said Naomi Feza, arguing that the crown should symbolise a commitment to serving the nation.
In her view, a Miss should be a woman capable of thinking critically, expressing herself, championing social causes and inspiring Congolese youth, rather than standing out solely on the basis of her physical appearance.
She has noted that beauty pageants should help to celebrate the diversity of Congolese women and combat insecurities linked to aesthetic standards, by highlighting authentic beauty that reflects the country’s cultural diversity.
Three fundamental values
Naomi Feza advocated taking three essential dimensions into account when assessing candidates, namely intellectual abilities, moral and social values, and knowledge of Congolese cultural heritage.
On an intellectual level, she recommended prioritising general knowledge, eloquence, proficiency in national and official languages, and the candidates’ ability to discuss issues relating to girls’ education, gender-based violence, women’s entrepreneurship and environmental protection.
On a moral and social level, the founder of the Naomi Design brand emphasised dignity, prudence, resilience, solidarity and community leadership, believing that a Miss should serve as a positive role model for young girls across the country’s various provinces.
She has also highlighted the importance of the cultural dimension, calling for Congolese traditions to be celebrated, particularly proverbs, dances, music, cuisine and traditional dress.
Congolese culture at the heart of the pageant
For Naomi Feza, knowledge and promotion of the national heritage should play a significant role in beauty pageants, as the winner is called upon to represent the cultural richness of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on both the national and international stages.
This vision reflects the importance she attaches to promoting Congolese cultural identity, particularly through fashion and the wearing of the pagne, which are seen as expressions of the history, dignity and pride of Congolese women.
She believed that a pageant based on these principles could help to boost young women’s self-esteem, promote female talent and encourage social engagement.
With this in mind, she called for winners to also be offered training opportunities, scholarships and support in carrying out entrepreneurial and community projects.
A crown in the service of the nation
Naomi Feza has finally argued that such an approach to the Miss contest would enable DRC to present women on the international stage who are capable of upholding national values, promoting cultural heritage and contributing to the country’s development.
“The most beautiful face of the Congo is that of the woman who builds it up every day,” she has argued, calling on beauty pageant organisers to view the crown not merely as an ornament, but as a symbol of responsibility and commitment to society.