Neomi Ng’ang’a had always been the chubby kid. Even at her smallest, she was still heavier than her peers. This exposed her to bullying. Tracy Nduati, on the other hand, tried all sorts of diets and regimes which only worked for as long as she was on the diet, then she was right back to step one. The two are now helping curvy women to love themselves.
“I started Team Curvy to encourage plus size women to wear their curves confidently,” says Neomi Ng’ang’a, director of Miss Plus Kenya, an actress and fashion designer. She founded Team Curvy in 2017 and has mentored and influenced many people from all over the world, including her 168.6k followers on Instagram. The birth of Miss Plus Kenya was inspired by her endeavours to celebrate the strong African woman who upholds cultural values. “The corporate sponsors, partners, celebrities, and guests that came on board, was a testimony of their support and believe in the project,” says Neomi who hosted 1,400 guests, and increase from the 350 she had expected at the pageant.
Tracy Nduati beat the contestants to clinch the title of the Miss Plus World Kenya 2019, a first of its kind. “I entered the competition to challenge myself and try something new that is completely out of my comfort zone,” says Nduati. She did not think she would be chosen and go ahead to win the title.
Purpose of Miss Plus competition
The competition for curvy plus size women is a breath of fresh air stemming from a concept in America under the Miss Plus World Franchise. It is undeniably a huge step in the fight for body positivity and acceptance because despite all the studies, the fact is, people still equate weight to health and it is tragic. Research clearly shows that not only are people born with different body types that have individual health requirements but that the constant pressure to be a specific size also causes physical and emotional damage.
There is a gym in our area with a UFO drawn on it and with the words “They are coming, and they start with the fat ones.”
It is easy to ignore how challenging it is to carry a few extra kilos through no fault of your own. It has no particular relation to being gluttonous or lazy, but naturally how wide your hips and glorious derriere and filled-out chest prefer to exist. Some women love their curves while others haven’t gotten to embrace them yet. That is the reason for Miss Plus Kenya; to celebrate and amplify African women as strong ambassadors of confidence.
“When I won, I felt an array of emotions all at one go! I was overwhelmed with tears of happiness; I was excited about the coming journey as the titleholder and last but not least I was scared because I am now a role model and a pioneer in a field that has not had much attention or appreciation. I really want to make a difference.”
Miss Plus Kenya is an eye-opener to the beauty of curves and a great way to start the conversation on the series of problems relatable to curvy girls everywhere:
Fashion
Most plus size women have to deal with a myriad of challenges. Tracy muses that the list could go on and on. However, what stands out is fashion or rather, a lack of options for the bigger woman. A curvy woman can’t wear anything innocently. Even turtleneck sweaters are suggestive. You have two choices: wear boxy sweaters that deceivingly make you look like 382, 507 kilograms or walk around looking like Sofia Vergara squeezed into a tube sock. It always seems like nothing ever fits you in the right place. You find a dress where your boobs stick out, but it’s baggy on the stomach, but cuts under the arms, but it’s tight on the sides, but loose on the waist, but snug on the butt, hips and thighs. That is assuming you find a plus-size section at the store. If you do, the jump in cost is ridiculous.
Objectification
As much as you think it sounds like a compliment, being called “Thick” or a backhanded compliment like “I like a girl who can eat” or “teach me how to eat.” These aren’t really praises. They feel disingenuous and more of a put-down. It carries a negative connotation and sounds demeaning to the woman being referred to.
Same goes for catcalling. Street harassers will zero in on you because of your curves. You could walk into a building and hear some guys talk amongst themselves going ‘size yako’ (your size). It’s rude and disrespectful in my opinion. Some women appreciate it and consider it a compliment. But not everyone.
Irritating advice
Curvy is almost always synonymous with fat. You almost always have to contend with the flood of irritating chatter. You will have people advising you on diet, fitness and many other things, even when you do not ask for their two cents. No one cares that this is how your body is and you are forced to just hope that people understand that losing weight is a process of self-realisation.
“I have always struggled with my weight and tried all sorts of diets and regimes which only worked short term and then piled right back on. About two years ago I had a meeting with myself and decided to love what I saw in the mirror and not hold myself back from anything I wanted to pursue. I can say my weakness has become my strength. I love every single curve!” says Tracy, having finally accepted and embraced her curves.
Another annoyance is when you have taken a cheat meal. Suddenly someone notices you eating junk food and start instructing on what’s good and bad for you. It is uncalled for and much as it might surprise you, most nasty comments are from friends and family.
Self-confidence
Many plus size women will tell you they don’t feel attractive. The general assumption is that the only curvy that is beautiful is the hourglass shape; round bottom, some full-figured, no gap between the thighs, thin as a wasp waist, and fully blossomed breasts. So, what about the back fat and the jiggly thighs? As a consequence, many women lack confidence, even in the bedroom.
Tracy says she has had to endure these challenges like other women. “The societal pressure to confine to the western culture of being a size 0 is crazy. It brings stares, whispers and all those body-shaming behaviours. Of course, it breaks down your confidence.”
It’s hard for plus size women to feel they look like they can get the attention of every man without being a fetish and that poses a problem with how we approach women.
A voice for plus size women
She, however, turned a blind eye to the animosity and followed her dreams all the way to Houston, Texas.
“Representing Kenya internationally was in as much an honour as it was engaging with other women. The Miss Plus World organizations are a true sisterhood and strong show of what women of equity can come together and do. The vibrant and exciting colours of the national costumes from countries around the world to the elegant shimmering evening gowns were beautiful and mind-blowing. I was very proud representing Kenya and learning about different cultures from around the world.”
She wowed the judges in the ‘best judges’ interview’ which she says she had feared the most. Each contestant had exactly 7 minutes with the judges in a boardroom. They were scrutinized intensely, from how they stand, articulate their words, their communication skills and of course their ability to answer the questions posed. These questions ranged from culture, government, society and philosophical aspects. Tracy got feedback that indeed she impressed the judges across the board.
Embracing her body and her curves is what pushed the contestants to have the confidence to join the competition. Sometimes it’s a pain to find clothing that fits and, yes, your thighs do jiggle when you run, but as long as you are healthy continue loving your life, curves and all. Knowing that even through these struggles, you wouldn’t trade your body for anything. “Love yourself, because no one else can do that for you. When you do that, that is just the beginning. Let us encourage each other and not pull each other down as women. Be bold. Be confident. Be you.”
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Evewoman.co.ke
