IVORY COAST: Beautiful Curves, an Ivorian organisation led by women, brings together curvy women to raise awareness on the importance of physical and emotional wellness, through exercise and a balanced diet, while embracing their curves

Record ID: 182392

  • Title: IVORY COAST: Beautiful Curves, an Ivorian organisation led by women, brings together curvy women to raise awareness on the importance of physical and emotional wellness, through exercise and a balanced diet, while embracing their curves
  • Date: 22nd November 2013
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF MEMBERS OF BEAUTIFUL CURVES CONTESTANTS ON CATWALK DURING MISS CURVY PAGEANT AUDIENCE LOOKING ON
  • Embargoed: 7th December 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Cote d'Ivoire
  • Country: Ivory Coast
  • Topics: Fashion
  • Reuters ID: LVAEN624XAESIZL82VSDB3BUJJ2C
  • Story Text: On a Saturday morning in Ivory Coast's commercial capital Abidjan, the members of Beautiful Curves organisation are put through their paces; doing cardio exercises and stretches, before taking a walk around the city.
    But this is no ordinary workout, the women are preparing to participate in the annual Miss Curvy pageant.
    Traditionally, in Ivory Coast, like in many African countries, being a curvy and voluptuous woman was associated with beauty and health, over the slim and the slender figured woman.
    However, increasingly with weight-related and lifestyle related diseases, women in Ivory Coast are becoming more conscious of the need to take care of their health and take up exercise.
    To try and address the growing health risks associated with obesity amongst women, the organisation Beautiful Curves aims not only to raise awareness amongst women on the need for healthy lifestyle, but also show that curvy women can also be beautiful and glamourous.
    According to a 2011-2012 study by the International Association for the Study of Obesity, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), 19 percent of women in Ivory Coast, aged 15-49 were said to be overweight and 6.6 percent of women aged 15-49 were obese.

    "For the most part, most of these women have been marginalised, but they are not necessarily sick because of their weight. But at the same time, prevention is better than cure. So since 2009, the members of the Beautiful Curves organisation work out every Saturday; two hours of exercise, as well as get advice on hygiene and diet, because part of getting healthy also includes having a good diet," said Beautiful Curves founder, Djeneba Dosso.
    Along with the pageant, Beautiful Curves also hosts an exhibition, with health and wellness specialists offering the latest diet tips, and various products that assist in weight loss.

    "My products are not like medication, but rather natural products which help people lose weight," said Alista Dembele, an exhibition participant.
    The health awareness campaign also hosts small meetings that are aimed at providing a supportive environment, where women can learn from each other.
    But sociologist Dedy Ser says he is not convinced that the organisation does not do enough to teach its members how to live a healthy lifestyle and focuses more on aesthetics.

    "There is renewed awareness, a renewed awareness of the current situation. But here we're told that curvy women should learn to accept themselves as they are. But one has to ask, why are so many of them overweight? Does having curves or being overweight also comes with other diseases? Are they aware of that? Are the members in the organisation aware of that?" said Ser.
    But the organisation argues that a good self-image is just as important as a healthy diet.
    This year's Miss Curvy winner, Anita Adon said that being part of the Beautiful Curves organisation has helped her regain her confidence.

    "After I gave birth, I put on more weight and I was struggling to accept myself as I was. But the fact that there is an event like this, that brings together curvy women to participate in a pageant like this has been therapeutic for me. It has helped me accept myself as I am and to be able to value myself," she said.
    Currently, Beautiful Curves has 675 members, and organisers hope to expand across Ivory Coast.
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