The Muslim world do not approve of their women competing in beauty competitions, especially in wearing swimsuits in public in front of the worlds media. But that is exactly what Vida Samadzai did and it caused a worldwide storm!

As a result she was publicly attacked by Afghanistan's government. One minister proclaimed, 'Women should not demonstrate their worth using their 'beauty or bodies' but by their skills and knowledge.' Prosecution was threatened and now she resides in the USA.

Vida's resolve is strong and in here own words: "I was a bit nervous, but really not afraid. But it wasn't until I started getting almost every country's biggest interviews, and contact with Afghan officials that it alarmed me as being a huge move! So sure, taking any risks and finding out more about the risk was scary. But, no matter what, I would have not quitted."

Vida believes that she has helped improve the position of women in Afghanistan by raising awareness of the issues faced by Afghan women. She explains that many people and companies come up to her after her speeches and offer to help her charitable projects.

Vida's full interview including her aspirations for Afghan women and her own movie career can be read at Lifeofamodel.com .