the “Elegant Plus” contest, the first-ever beauty pageant for
HIV-infected women in Vietnam, which was held in Hanoi on Nov. 14.
The
crown is a worthy reward for Hue, who has struggled against HIV/AIDS
over the past ten years. The 28-year-old woman has two children, one
also living with HIV and the other suffering from hearing and speaking
disabilities. Her husband died of the disease.
The runner-ups included Nghiem Thi Lan from Thai Binh province and To Thi Tuyet from Bac Giang province.
The
competition’s final night, co-sponsored by the Centre for Supporting
Community Development Initiatives, Vietnam Television and For the Bright
Future Network, featured ao dai (traditional long dress) and evening
gown performances and a question and answer session.
More than
100 women participating in the beauty pageant have overcome social
stigma and discrimination to affirm themselves in life. They joined the
contest with the aim of contributing a voice of people living with
HIV/AIDS and bringing their messages to the community.
From Nov.
9-11, the contestants visited an orphanage at Bo De Pagoda in Gia Lam
district and worked on campaigns to distribute information about
HIV/AIDS.
Previously, HIV/AIDS patient Pham Thi Hue became an Asian hero in HIV/AIDS prevention./.
