Panama's first indigenous beauty queen opens doors, breaks social barriers

[Judi Lynn]

by Anastasia Moloney | @anastasiabogota | Thomson Reuters Foundation
Friday, 31 August 2018 18:39 GMT

Rosa Montezuma hopes to show other indigenous women that they can overcome prejudice and stereotypes
By Anastasia Moloney

BOGOTA, Aug 31 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Born into Panama's Comarca Ngobe Bugle indigenous community, Rosa Montezuma is only too well aware of the challenges girls face getting an education and pursuing their dreams.

Now as Panama's first indigenous woman in the Miss Universe beauty pageant, Montezuma hopes to become an example to show others they can overcome prejudice and stereotypes.

"Indigenous women by nature are a little bit demure, hidden and submissive because of the culture we live in," Montezuma told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

. . .

"Panama wasn't ready to accept an indigenous woman to take part in the competition," Montezuma said.

More:
http://news.trust.org/item/20180831171824-jlc6z

[guillaumeb]

1. She is a beautiful woman.