The dozens of plus-sized women from the Vaal gathered at Vereeniging Civic Theatre on Saturday afternoon to celebrate their beauty.
The event marked the first year of the project to make the women feel comfortable in their skin.
It started with a beauty pageant that included music from local artists, poetry and fashion. There were stalls selling handcrafted jewellery by local brands.
Speaking to the SunTeam, the two women who initiated the event, Sabeeya Mothobi (23) and Nompumelelo Malindi (29) said the aim was to make big women feel comfortable and confident.
Sabeeya said women should not be made to feel ashamed.
“We initiated this concept so we could celebrate plus-sized models.”
“This is a platform used to give confidence to women who believe they are not as beautiful as slim women.”
Sabeeya said she used to be shy about her body and size until she started understanding that there were different sizes of women in the world.
“We teach women of our size how to take care of themselves and feel confident to wear anything they wish to wear at any time,” said Sabeeya.
Nompumelelo said it was high time society accepted plus-sized women. “We are often shut out and marginalised but there is no need for people to work at being slim just so they fit in with society,” said Nompumelelo.
“We need to motivate young women who grow up with plus-sized bodies.” The event is set to be an annual celebration.
Source : Daily sun