2018 Apr 4
Most women, at some point in their lives, have been subject to body shaming. It is a prevalent problem worldwide that women are fighting to address and change. In Sri Lanka, petite women are held as the standard and even if you are merely under or over the line, you would have to bear the brunt of the jokes and the unfounded criticisms landing severe blows to your confidence.
Women that are fuller in figure tend to attract much more of this attention- be it in the workplace or in public. For example- being naturally big in the chest area brings about unwarranted and inappropriate remarks from certain males. This woman- simply minding her own business- cannot be taken seriously in the work place and is given a label for something as natural as her body parts.
The #HoldItHigh campaign initiated by Ultimo Sri Lanka leans towards changing our country’s ideals on body standards. Since nearly all women suffer blows to their confidence and self-esteem at young ages, #HoldItHigh emphasizes on restoring that inner confidence that allows you to hold your head up high and be proud of your body- no slouching, no hunching and no hiding behind your hair to cover up your insecurities!
Our little island seems to be brimming with triggers for body shaming so let’s look at when exactly women have to face such issues
Public Harassment
Sexual harassment in public transport and places is a main concern for the women of this country. In fear of our safety, we tend to hide our natural bodies as much as possible and inevitably insecurities stem from it.
Acts of Jealousy
We all know of a few spiteful ladies that try to belittle other women who are comfortable with their own assets. Rumors and jokes circulating behind a woman’s back is all it takes for her to wish that she had never been born with the body she has today.
Lack of Knowledge
Most people just don’t seem to realize when they’ve crossed a line. We’ve grown up amongst traditionalistic ideals that tend to demean our statuses as independent women and therefore, we unconsciously put it into practice ourselves with an absent minded comment on a lady’s appearance or her weight gain/loss.
Social Media
A blatant influencer in Body Shaming, social media ensures that many young children set themselves up against an impossible standard that leads to them feeling ashamed of their own bodies. As well as low self-esteem, this may even result in eating disorders.
Wearing the Wrong Lingerie
Many women are unaware that wearing the wrong lingerie can lead to severe back pain, slouching, side spilling and unfortunately, bust sagging. This is why women must take great care when purchasing lingerie that is not too tight or too loose. Wearing the wrong type of lingerie can make you think of yourself in an unflattering manner, affecting your own confidence and self-esteem. This can consequently give others more of a reason to make fun of you, and lead to body shaming, both internalized and from external sources.
Ultimo’s recent movement strives to bring these issues to light and encourage full-figured women to pay more attention to their curves. It has already garnered support from many women who have decided to brazenly love their natural bodies and give it the right support it needs despite those around them who are all too willing to bring them down.
It all requires a simple yet symbolic act of support- tying up your hair. No more hiding behind your hair or baggy clothes. It’s all about feeling confident and having the right kind of support in your life.
