It’s not uncommon for under-privileged people to be given access to basic rights like healthcare, housing and clean water. Brazil has taken this to a whole new level – trying to show that the right to beauty is just as important. If you’re not beautiful, and can’t afford to be beautiful, then don’t worry – just go to the free clinic!

Free Botox and laser hair removal, free chemical peels and anti-cellulite treatments may at first seem shockingly frivolous in a country like Brazil — which, despite phenomenal economic growth in recent years that has lifted millions out of extreme poverty, still battles with diseases like tuberculosis.

But the philosophy behind the more than 220 clinics across Brazil that treat people like Penha and thousands of maids, receptionists, waitresses and others is simple: Beauty is a right, and the poor deserve to be ravishing, too.

This is something that I can get behind. We all know that a country benefits from having beautiful people in it. Now I’m not saying this needs to come to South Africa right away – we most definitely have far more pressing issues to address.

It’s certainly something to aspire to.

[Source: ABC]