Brazilian prison’s beauty pageant rebuilds inmates’ self confidence

A Brazilian prison has come up with an original way to prepare its prisoners before re-entering society after incarceration – by holding an inmate beauty pageant. Brazil is a major smuggling hub for narcotics. The wealth generated by the drug trade tempts many Brazilian girls into a world of dealing and prostitution. Those caught are sentenced to lengthy prison terms and suffer shame behind bars while separated from their children, who often have to be raised by the inmate’s disappointed parents. The pageant gives some of these women a chance to rebuild their self-worth and see their families again in uplifting circumstances. The happy reunions at the beauty contest provide them with a determination not to repeat their past mistakes once they are freed.

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