body
Feminism demands a future free of fat shaming, body obsession and the male gaze.
I Was Told That I Would Not Be Taken Seriously Because of My Weight
I had always loved the art of dance. From the graceful movements, to the impossible looking jumps and turns. So much hard work, yet it all looked so easy. It was an art form that really touched me from a young age, until I saw the darker side behind its beauty. I worked tirelessly to become the best dancer that I could possibly be. Little did I know that my hard work meant little to nothing in this industry, for a girl like myself.
By Victoria Gracie7 years ago in Viva
Information on PCOS
What is PCOS and what does it stand for? PCOS aka PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or Polycystic Ovarian Disorder a treatable but not curable disease which causes a woman's period to come less than it should or causes it to last longer than normal due to the amount of androgen, a male hormone, because of this small cyst form on the ovaries creating other unwanted problems such as: being overweight, infertility, acne, facial hair, depression, anxiety, loss of hair, and male features. If PCOS isn't treated it can cause endometrial cancer because you're not shedding the uterine lining every month as well as diabetes, and autoimmune thyroid disease.
By Viola Shadowheart7 years ago in Viva
New Beginnings
Most things happen for a reason, but we don't always see that when the issue negatively affects us. Sometimes it can take a long time to see this. For me, it was four months to see that such a traumatic event opened a lot of doors for me to a beginning of a new life. My new life.
By Roisin Reilly7 years ago in Viva
Pink Scars
As a recent breast cancer survivor, I have had my days where I felt unsure of what my purpose in all of this would be. I couldn't believe that this illness came into my life and made me feel so insecure—sometimes feeling helpless and hopeless due to the possible outcome. But, I had to remind myself that I'm not alone and that there are millions of women who are in my same shoes that are also trying to cope as well.
By Candy Williams7 years ago in Viva
Ok, But Women Enjoy Sex Too
Title got you, right? Caught you! Naughty little thing. Anyway, shall we begin? Are you sure you’re ready? The vagina (also known as the pussy, the coochie, the cookie, the box, usisi/the lady). This is the female reproductive organ. It’s not the most attractive thing, but most people have come into the world via the vagina. It stretches to first accommodate a penis, then later stretches to deliver a whole human being into the world. Powerful, right? Perhaps the most underrated ability of a vagina is PLEASURE!
By Yolanda Mqoqi7 years ago in Viva
Social Media and Body Image
NOWADAYS it seems body measurements are integral to the Instagram algorithm. The amount of bikini-clad women that our thumbs grudgingly scroll past every day seems to only increase—and by the looks of it, it’s not likely to go down either. Body ideals have, historically, been defined by the cultural icons of the time, and how they are received within that zeitgeist. For example, at the height of her success, Marilyn Monroe (a woman who, by Instagram’s standards would be considered ‘fat’) painted the ideal feminine silhouette as one with natural curves, dimples and cellulite—a world away from the airbrushed "perfection" we are inundated with today. The rising prominence of social media "influencers" and TV shows entirely based round appearance (think Love Island, Naked Attraction, etc..) only communicates to young girls and women alike, that they are not doing enough to squeeze themselves into the constricting and hyper-feminised mould of 2019 beauty ideals. But what women need to realise is that however they present themselves, as long as they feel confident and beautiful both outside and in, they are enough. The plus size model movement is definitely a step in the right direction, a la Ashley Graham and Iskra Lawrence (the digital Monroes of this age,) but the real heroes we need right now are the ones who don’t have makeup artists on speed dial.
By Tabby Weir7 years ago in Viva
Something's Got to Give
British freelance journalist Stephanie Yeboah recently made social media news this month when she published a story on Refinery29, titled “I Found Out The Guy I Was Dating Did It For A Dare. Here's What Happened Next,” writing about being embarrassed by potential partner all because she is a plus-size woman.
By Mpho Rantao7 years ago in Viva
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are ugly, hideous, I wouldn't want them—so I've been told. Why is everyone afraid of their own body? You should love yourself for who you are even if it's hard sometimes. I had stretch marks from a young age onwards. I was only 10 years old when I spotted mine and I didn't care what anyone thought of me or my body, I was pure and innocent. I did not hate my stretch marks or myself for having them, in fact, I thought everyone had them.
By Emily Emily7 years ago in Viva
