In pictures: Zimbabwe's rural beauties

Some felt, however, the pageant will do little to address these issues.

“We are dealing with vulnerable children, affected by sexual abuse, early pregnancy and forced marriage and not being given a chance to go to school,” said Betty Makoni of the Girl Child Network, which works with 20,000 rural girls affected by rape and other abuse.

“A beauty contest is not a priority.

“We need to break the perception that women are simply there to be beautiful and nothing else.”