When 24-year-old Amila Ntubuntu witnessed a friend’s self-esteem crumble after being insulted for her weight, she felt urged to create a safe space where young women could learn to love their plus-sized bodies.
Based on this and similar personal experiences, Ntubuntu decided to establish ‘Girls with a FATtitude’; an organisation aimed at encouraging young women to accept their plus-sized bodies.
“Growing up and even in my adult life, I was inspired by plus-size women who were not afraid to be themselves and dress the way they wanted to.
“Over the years, people have used the word ‘fat’ as an insult to others for the way their bodies look. So, I decided to start the organisation with that particular name to describe people who have a powerful attitude, more specifically bigger people who break stereotypes,” Ntubuntu adds.
Amila Ntubuntu says would like it to achieve a more body-positive environment and for people to always stay true to who they are. PHOTO: Facebook
Currently a BSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology honours student at Stellenbosch University (SU), Ntubuntu adds that the organisation was also started from a need to support other young women at SU with low body self-esteem.
“I find it so important because when you feel like you’re represented in such a judgemental setting, you feel like you don’t matter. I wanted to empower young women and girls to never allow the outer looks to stop them from achieving what they want.”
The organisation currently consists of 12 members who are based at SU and the surrounding Stellenbosch area.
For 25-year-old Gcina Arosi, it was important to be in an environment that encouraged her to be confident about her body.
“I needed to be in a space where I could grow from other big women and vice-versa in terms of self-confidence and sharing our journey’s with each other. Because we all need affirmation of some sort. We don’t need validation. But affirmation is possible in a space where we as ‘big girls’ are constantly feeding each other positivity.”
Gcina Arosi says Girls with a FATtitude allows young women to celebrate their bodies and change the stigma attached to plus-sized people. From left: Anathi Tyatyeka, Maambele Khosa, Nomonde Mngcongo and Amila Ntubuntu. PHOTO: Supplied.
Girls with a FATtitude member and final year BSc Food Sciences student at SU, Thando Phakathi (22) says although she was already confident, she did not want to allow the university to negatively influence that.
“Going to university introduces you to a world of possibilities, but that can be overwhelming, even more so when you’ve got a low self-esteem. I believe self-confidence and body positivity has an effect on everything you do. So, the university is a great place to gain that.
“Seeing women go from shy to unapologetic in whatever size they’re in, that is empowerment. I have always been confident, but surrounding yourself with like-minded people can be such a ‘pick-me-up’ even on your off days,” Phakathi adds on what she believes is the most important aspect of the organisation.
Ntubuntu says that although the organisation is mainly aimed at plus-sized women, the aim is to break stereotypes.
“We are here to encourage self-confidence and learning to love your body, regardless of its shape or size. Anybody who wants to see body positivity can join,” she adds.
How women compare to men regarding what influences how they view their bodies. INFOGRAPHIC: NarutoGlobal