The Miss Netherlands beauty pageant has been discontinued, as its organizers have declared that a transformation is necessary. The competition will cease to exist, and in its stead, a new initiative has been launched with the goal of "inspiring" young individuals in various aspects.

This decision comes barely a year after the pageant's judges awarded its first transgender winner, Rikkie Kollé, with the crown. A statement on the competition's website has announced the discontinuation and the launch of a new platform titled "Niet Meer Van Deze Tijd" (translating to "No Longer of This Time"). The statement reads: "After a history filled with glamour, talent, and inspiration, Miss Netherlands is bidding farewell to a name that has touched the hearts of many. However, this is not a conclusion; it is a fresh start. As the world evolves, so do we.

'Miss Netherlands' is evolving into 'No Longer of This Time': a platform that focuses on mental health, social media, diversity, self-expression, and much more. Gone are the crowns, but in their place are stories that foster connections. Absent are the dresses, but present are dreams that become reality. 'Here, we inspire young people to embrace their true selves in a world that is in constant flux.'"

In a statement provided, Monica van Ee, the director of Miss Netherlands and the creator of the new platform, commented on the insecurities faced by women, citing the rise of social media and its unrealistic beauty standards as contributing factors. She defended the pageant's past efforts, stating that her team had "worked closely with participants" over the years, and that the empowerment of women was not merely "empty rhetoric but a genuine movement." However, she noted that managing viewer feedback had become increasingly challenging.

Van Ee explained that the decision to abandon the "castings and finals" initially stemmed from "the stubbornness of the audience" and criticisms such as "she is too White" or "she is too Black." She said, "This leads to an annual cycle of negative energy. Secondly, we would prefer to channel our positive energy instead of constantly being on the defensive. Now, we can reach out to everyone and offer the appropriate support. We have faith in our platform, and perhaps the sash and crown are outdated symbols. However, the support and assistance among women have always been of paramount importance to us!"

Kollé, who was one of two transgender women to compete in Miss Universe 2023, used her influence to advocate for a more inclusive vision within the pageant industry. In a video posted on Instagram last year, she said: "Miss Universe asked us to describe ourselves in one word. The word I choose is 'victory,' because as a young boy, I overcame all the obstacles that stood in my way—and now, look at me, standing here as a strong, empowering, and confident transgender woman."

The world of beauty pageants has been compelled to adapt in recent years, as the traditional values upheld by these shows no longer resonate with younger demographics. This year's Miss Universe, which took place in Mexico City last month, allowed women over the age of 28 to participate for the first time ever. This followed last year's decision to lift the ban on including pregnant women or mothers, as well as women who are—or have been—married. However, some pageants still maintain this rule. In September, a woman from New York filed a complaint with the city's Commission on Human Rights, calling for an end to the exclusion of mothers. The Miss Universe organization faced scrutiny earlier this year as the parent company of Miss USA. In May, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA resigned within days of each other amid allegations of mismanagement, toxicity, and conditions that affected their mental health.

With the Miss Netherlands pageant now a part of history, the organizers' decision to shift focus to a platform that addresses contemporary issues such as mental health and diversity reflects a broader trend in the beauty pageant industry. The new platform, "No Longer of This Time," aims to provide a space where young people can find inspiration and empowerment without the constraints of traditional pageant formats. This move signifies a significant departure from the past and represents an attempt to align with the evolving values and expectations of today's audience.

The discontinuation of Miss Netherlands and the introduction of the "No Longer of This Time" platform also highlight the challenges faced by beauty pageants in maintaining relevance in a world that is increasingly critical of the superficial standards of beauty they have historically promoted. The organizers' acknowledgment of the need for change and their commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for young people is a step towards addressing these criticisms and adapting to the changing landscape of beauty and self-expression.

As the beauty pageant industry continues to grapple with issues of representation, inclusivity, and the impact of social media on body image and self-esteem, the "No Longer of This Time" platform offers a new approach that seeks to engage with these concerns directly. By focusing on mental health, social media, diversity, and self-expression, the platform aims to provide a more meaningful and relevant experience for young people, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams without being confined by outdated notions of beauty and success.

The transformation of Miss Netherlands into "No Longer of This Time" is a bold statement that reflects the organizers' willingness to break with tradition and embrace change. It is a testament to the evolving nature of the beauty pageant industry and its efforts to remain relevant and impactful in a world that is constantly changing. As the platform grows and develops, it will be interesting to see how it continues to inspire and support young people in their journey of self-discovery and empowerment.