As part of the activities held to welcome Vietnam Day for Disabled People (April 18), four social and health organizations are hosting a beauty contest for young Vietnamese women. The Ve Dep Vang Trang Khuyet ("Beauty of the Crescent Moon”) contest is jointly organized by the Hanoi Association of Disabled Young People, the Center for Supporting Community Development Initiates (SCDI), the Sustainable Health Development Center (VietHealth), and the Center for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population (CCIHP). Through the contest, the organizers want to send a message that the real beauty of a person depends not just on their “perfect body”, but also on his or her wisdom, confidence, energy and other untapped potential.

The contest is also aimed at encouraging people with disabilities, particularly women, to conquer their complex about their defects, be more self confident in their abilities, and raise their own voices based on the spirit of the slogan, “My body, My talent”.

In addition, the contest also encourages the public to pay more attention to promoting the rights of the handicapped and related issues, improve the image of disabled people in society, and contribute to improving the quality of life of disabled people.

Candidates for the contest must be handicapped Vietnamese women from the ages of 18-30. More than 70 candidates from across the country have applied to take part in the contest, and 15 have been selected by the examiners to enter the semifinal round, which will take place later this month.

The final round for the top ten beauties selected from the semifinal round will be held over three days, from April 15 to 17, in Hanoi and will be broadcast live.

The competition’s jury includes reputable and experienced experts in different areas, representatives of disabled people, and some media agencies.