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Friday, 19 April 2024

Plus size model and overcoming body shaming

WeekendLife

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which is to say that what one person finds to be beautiful may not necessarily be what another finds beauty in. The desire and almost borderline obsession of chasing the fountain of youth is ubiquitous. Beauty standards vary from continent to continent and from race to race but what has been most common in beauty standards world over is a petite or slim body.

Generation after generation beauty standards has become to say the least ridiculous! The expectations placed mostly on women to be a certain version that is approved by society has left many to not only alter their bodies but has also seen the untimely demise of some.

One need not look far for these ungodly standards; as soon as you turn on your television, when you scroll on your social media accounts or a random pop up notification from one or the other brands that promises to turn back time, all a set up for you to buy into an illusion that will never be satisfied.

From this it is clear that media plays a significant role on how we perceive ourselves and others, disregarding that the concept of beauty is but a contingent that depends on variables that really cannot be fully accepted world over. I believe it would therefore be safe to say that the media influences our outlook on beauty and what we believe to be grotesque as well as the schemas we form throughout our lives.

CELEBRITIES AND BEAUTY STANDARDS

English singer and song writer, Adele, broke into the music industry a chubby and full figured woman who seemed happy and content with her physique, only caring about her music. Some nay-sayers did try and persuade her to change her looks to match her music, going as far as wanting her to lose a few kilograms, her replies were always centred on her powerful vocal cords being the nucleus of attention and not her looks. Fast forward a couple of years later and Adele can be mistaken for a runway model that is how much weight the multi-award winning songbird lost.

Many other celebrities the likes of Kelly Osbourne, Busta Rhymes and even Mike Tyson. The contention is not weight loss but the idea that being slim or skinny is more attractive and seen as a beauty standard. Losing weight for health reasons is a must and maintaining that weight loss is necessary for medical reasons but altering your body to fit into standards is another thing altogether
This does have one cogitate; are beauty standards so engrained in society and does the media have such insurmountable power that no matter who you are, you will be trapped in the idea of attaining a delusional perfection.

BODY SHAMING

Granted the media has a significant role it plays in portraying its ideal version of forever young and beautiful but as individuals we play a bigger part in shutting down such outlets that give off unattainable standards that will only depress and make both men and women feel inadequate. One of the things that should be treated with uttermost sensitivity is choosing our words when it comes to talking about someone’s body.

In an ideal world no one should be told that they are physically unattractive or that they need a nip and tuck here and there to be beautiful. The notion that being physically attractive is an important asset a man or woman can have and to maintain is a must is absolute bogus! No one should be held to standards that are subjective.

BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING

Kesego Samantha Moeng, a 20-something year old Mochudi native is collecting a number of accolades under her belt. Moeng is an entrepreneur, a motivational speaker, she recently also debuted as an author in the middle of a pandemic and lastly she has embraced her full figure as she ventures into the world of modelling.

Moeng opened up to WeekendLife about her body and the turbulences that come with being a plus size model in an industry that idolises petite body structures. “Well to me being a plus size model means more than just embracing being big bodied or full figured. It is the flamboyant way in which a woman can embrace her beauty and her strengths confidently regardless of what society may classify as beauty or rather what it may not be,” she said.

Driven by the desire to show that beauty is just an idea, the ever bubbly personality shared with this publication that for her it took acceptance to do what she is doing. It also took self-love. Like many people who have struggled to accept themselves because of being at the receiving end of trolls about their body.

“It was a process of tears, reopened scars. Above all self-acceptance. I have quite a few experiences with body shaming but I always shrug it off and wear my smile and confidence,” said Moeng.
The robust personality that does swim wear model, cooperate wear modelling and other modelling for brands, is a self-starter and keeps going because her desire to make a name for herself outweighs the piercing voices of those who think she’s not built for the industry.

PLUS SIZE MODELLING IN BOTSWANA

Botswana trails behind in acknowledging plus size women and helping them embrace and love themselves as they are. There are little to no platforms for plus size models, even with the ones that are present very little attention is given to them. This makes it difficult to help grow and instil confidence in a girl or even a boy child for that matter, that the images they see advertised are not realistic nor are they typical. They have been altered.

It is important that the next generation understands that beauty cannot be standardised, it is a subjective attribute that has many variables and trying to attain to a certain standard of beauty can have deleterious effects on oneself.

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WeekendLife

Radio titans gloss RB2

11th April 2024

 

In a thrilling turn of events, former YFM on-air presenter Petula Khulman, now known as Petula El’Kindiy, is set to co-host the morning show with the station’s current star, Thabo Bolokwe, fondly referred to as T.H.A.B.O. Petula’s radio journey began at Yarona FM and spanned over a year and a half, during which she honed her skills and developed a loyal fan base.

Petula, a Media Studies graduate from Rhodes University, holds a wealth of experience in the industry. Her career took her across borders, from Yarona FM to Gabz FM, and even to a community radio station, Bay FM. She later returned to YFM, where she hosted a show called The Plaground.

Her latest venture, “The Morning Essentials,” kicked off on July 1, 2020. The show, which airs from 3am to 5am on weekdays and 6am to 10am on Saturdays, quickly gained popularity among listeners. Petula attributes her success to her passion for media, music, and dance, as well as her appreciation for her colleagues at YFM.

However, her journey wasn’t without its challenges. In 2023, her work permit was denied by South African authorities, leading to a temporary pause in her radio career. Despite the setback, Petula remains undeterred and is ready to bring her bubbly personality and captivating voice back to the airwaves of RB2.

 

Adding to the excitement, Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira is also making a comeback. The popular media personality and businesswoman, who was last heard on RB2 in October 2022, will be back on air from Monday. Missgeekays, who owns a restaurant called Kana Kgang, has been keeping herself busy with various ventures, including a stint as a freelance presenter.

Her return to RB2 is eagerly anticipated, and her fans are thrilled to hear that she will be back in her familiar mid-morning slot. The exact details of her show are still under wraps, but one thing is for sure – with the new lineup, RB2 is poised to make a big splash in the radio landscape.

“With the new lineup, RB2 will be the biggest thing ever. We expect fireworks and amusement from the morning through mid-morning and the afternoons. All the faces that are returning to the airwaves will contribute to the radio station’s growth and a snowballing of listenership,” a source close to the station revealed.

So, get ready for a thrilling ride as RB2 unveils its new look and lineup this coming Monday. With Petula El’Kindiy and Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira leading the charge, there’s no doubt that RB2 is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever!

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WeekendLife

Strawberry Ritual: An unconventional key to virtual interview success

11th April 2024

In the modern era of swift communication, where digital platforms have become the cornerstone of professional interactions, mastering the nuances of a Zoom interview is a vital skill for job applicants. The pivot towards remote work has rendered platforms like Zoom indispensable for establishing connections with prospective employers. So, imagine if we told you that a humble fruit could be the secret ingredient to enhancing your self-assurance and excelling in that virtual interview? Indeed, the fruit in question is the strawberry!

“A whopping 59.1% of the workforce prefers remote work over a conventional office setting,” asserts Forbes, a staggering fact that underscores the global trend of working from home. In the UK, Zoom witnessed a dramatic surge in its daily active users (DAU), peaking at approximately 1.7 million around the end of November 2020. This significant upswing in DAU coincided with the onset of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, as more individuals began participating in virtual meetings for both work and social engagements with their families and friends.

But how does a strawberry fit into this narrative? What might seem like a punchline to a whimsical joke could revolutionize your approach to virtual job interviews. CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter shares this ingenious trick that could make a world of difference.

According to CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter, consuming a strawberry before your Zoom call could have a profound impact on your performance. The National Institute of Health has discovered that strawberries contain folate, a compound that aids in calming nerves and reducing anxiety by stimulating the production of serotonin, a hormone crucial for maintaining a positive mood and mental well-being. Moreover, strawberries are teeming with anthocyanins, antioxidants that enhance brain and emotional health, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to alleviate stress and anxiety before significant virtual meetings.

So, how can you incorporate this simple yet potent trick into your pre-Zoom routine? It’s as straightforward as savoring a few fresh strawberries 10-20 minutes before your call. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen ones or even a refreshing strawberry smoothie can serve as excellent alternatives. For the best results, consume the strawberries on an empty stomach to ensure faster absorption of folate and maximize their mood-enhancing benefits.

Beyond just soothing your nerves before a critical interview, strawberries offer a myriad of health benefits, such as being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall well-being. By integrating strawberries into your pre-Zoom ritual, you can not only boost your confidence but also support your body’s health in the process.

In a competitive job market where first impressions matter, adopting this unconventional yet effective strategy could be the game-changer you need to distinguish yourself and leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Therefore, the next time you have a Zoom interview scheduled, reach for some strawberries and experience the positive difference they can make in enhancing your confidence and performance.

In a world where virtual connections have become the new norm, utilizing simple yet powerful techniques like the strawberry trick can set you apart and help you navigate the challenges of virtual job interviews with ease. By capitalizing on the natural benefits of this humble fruit, you can elevate your Zoom confidence to unprecedented heights and pave the way for success in your job search. So, why not seize the day? Grab some strawberries, take a bite, and witness your Zoom interview game soar to new heights!

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WeekendLife

Mrs Botswana’s ‘MO’ to gender parity

18th March 2024
Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong

Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong, an illustrious beacon brightening the corners of Botswana, wields her vision for gender equity and empowerment like a torch, illuminating paths for her community. Standing at the helm of the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation, and donning multiple hats as an international personal wellness coach, a savvy business magnate, and the esteemed Mrs. Botswana 2023/24, her mission is to cast rays of change into the lives she touches.

Her strategy for bridging the gender divide is both comprehensive and visionary. Mokgathong, understanding the vitality of lifting women and girls, equally champions the cause of young boys and men. She advocates for a culture of mutual admiration and understanding across gender lines, fostering a society unbound by the shackles of conventional gender roles—a society where balance and harmony reign supreme.

 

In her magnum opus, a collaborative venture with entities like NAPHA, Men and Boys for Gender Justice, the Botswana Police Service, and Girls for Girls Botswana, lies a quest for familial empowerment. Her goal is to fortify the foundation of families, supporting parents and guardians, sons and daughters alike, equipping them with the capabilities to forge strong intrapersonal and professional bonds.

 

“My project is family oriented, we want to focus on the family as a whole, we want to help both parents or guardians, men and women and the children of households both boy and girl. I am passionate in doing so because lately women and the girl child have been given a pedestal, they have been given a lot of help and a lot of recognition while men are considered as perpetrators and young boys are neglected, therefore we want to groom both the girl and boy child so that they grow up to be able to interact with each other and when they get to relationships, be it personal or work wise,” she said.

 

Mokgathong’s reach extends further than mere intervention; she invests in the empowerment of individuals through education, skill development, and the allocation of resources crucial for autonomy and enduring triumphs. By nurturing innate capabilities, igniting the flames of innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship, she sets the stage for marginalized communities to emerge from the shadows of dependency, crafting their own realms of prosperity.

 

“As we educate a girl child to be strong and independent, we also enable a young man or boy to be able to accept that strong independent woman, ensuring that the equation is balanced. I also want to help stop gender-based violence while protecting our children. When I began my initiative, it was based on GBV and child protection, but it developed into campaigning for the less fortunate and vulnerable,” she stresses.

 

Her journey, fraught with hurdles, including early disappointments in her pursuit of the Mrs. Botswana title, stands testament to her resilience and indomitable spirit. Gratitude fills her heart for mentors, sponsors, kin, and comrades whose support has sculpted her into the powerhouse she is today.

 

She says: “People want to be involved with you when you are a top finalist or the reigning queen. When I first started, I was only a person, and it was difficult and time-consuming to generate cash, solicit donations, and obtain obligation, particularly in rural areas. But right now, as the reigning queen it is a bit easier to reach out to collaborators and sponsors and I pray to God that as I am continuing with my project after crowning the new queen it will continue to be so and growth and more people will be willing to invest and help out.”

 

Juggling her myriad roles demands the prowess of a maestro, yet Mokgathong thrives by weaving her family into her philanthropic endeavors and mastering the art of time management. She empowers young aspirants to self-reflect, establish objectives, harness mentorship and sponsorship, and gear up for the trials that lie ahead.

 

As Mrs. Botswana, her ambition soars beyond personal accolades; it’s tethered to the upliftment of her nation through the empowerment of women, the nurturing of men’s talents, and the preparation of the youth for a flourishing future. She envisages expanding the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation’s influence, delving deeper into rural engagements to sow seeds of empowerment and hope for generations yet to come.

 

“For charity work to be more effective, I believe we need to empower other than just giving. We need to empower the less privileged and the vulnerable, with the right skills and knowledge so that they can sustain themselves in the long run. We need to help those who are talented and innovative. I am proud to say my work is doing wonders, the kids that we are mentoring are able to find direction in life, they now know what they want to be as they grow up and they are able to identify subjects they want to study and career they want to pursue. Families that we have been in contact with, families that are from different background are able to identify their skills and they are able to grow and turn them into businesses.”

 

In essence, Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong stands as a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration in Botswana. Her unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality, community upliftment, and personal development lights the way for others. Through her relentless endeavors and steadfast dedication, she renders a profound impact on her community and beyond, etching a durable mark of empowerment and optimism.

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