Boycott Nigerian beauty competition - Greens

Green Women's Affairs Spokesperson Sue Kedgley today supported YWCA calls for 'Miss New Zealand' organisers to boycott the Miss World Pageant in Nigeria in protest over that country's abuse of women.

A Nigerian woman has been sentenced to death by stoning after being found guilty of adultery by the Nigerian Islamic Court in the North of Nigeria.

"I am deeply concerned that the organisers think it right to participate in this beauty contest in a country that brutally oppresses women," said Ms Kedgley.

"New Zealand should join the five other nations who are boycotting this event and use the opportunity to send a strong message to the world that New Zealand does not support the abuse of women."

France, the Ivory Coast, Belgium, Kenya and Norway have all announced a boycott, the European Union is calling for a boycott and half a dozen other nations are also considering a boycott.

"The Nigerian Government will benefit from hosting this event. This is distressing given the way they allow their own women to be treated.

"Boycotting this pageant would provide a rare opportunity to draw world attention to the plight of Nigerian women."

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