I use to consider pageants stupid but then my daughter reminded me that many of these girls come from small countries and towns where there is little in the way of networking. Even if they don’t win, many get to make connections that they otherwise wouldn’t be able too. Many of these girls are top of their class in education and both pageants usually require some sort of community work.
At least for Miss World and Miss Universe these are college women who usually have a full life in other areas and are set on being the best they can be and move forward.
I mean in todays world you can come out of college with Masters and that does not guarantee a job. You need connections just to get your foot in the door and you have to usually start at the bottom. If throwing on a bathing suit and marching in front of the whole world helps put you in front of the millions of people your age competing with you, than why not.
Plus if you win, you get money for college, free room and board for a year, lots of free prizes and gifts and to travel around the world for one year.