In pictures: Zimbabwe's rural beauties

Despite losing her crown, 16-year-old Liweline (second from left) says the contest proves that rural girls are a match for their urban contemporaries.

“We are equal and just as beautiful,” she said.

Many of the contestants will be trained to become HIV/Aids educators as only nine of the 27 finalists had a basic knowledge of HIV/Aids prevention.

The traditional custom where a man takes the widow of his brother as his wife has fuelled the spread of HIV.