The women’s majlis: Don’t bow to body-shape pressure

We live in a world that's ­continuously changing at a fast pace. One day something is condemned, and the next, it's a trend; something that was once considered ugly turns into a beautiful thing, and vice versa.

In each era, a type of body is idolised, leaving other types considered undesirable. Body dissatisfaction is a big issue. The media set examples of how women “should” look, which has led many women to hating and even harming themselves.

The media have caused them to believe they should attain a Barbie-doll figure. It’s quite sickening how means such as Photoshop are used to reduce a woman’s size for a picture-perfect look.

Obviously, not everyone is going to be skinny, because body systems behave differently. That’s why counteractions have taken place. Several initiatives that advocate body acceptance have emerged, in which women are encouraged to love their curves and bodies.

This is definitely a positive act that will help women who are struggling in their own skin. But as much as curvy women can love their bodies as much as skinny women do, that doesn’t give them the right to “bash” skinny women.

I’ve come across several songs, films and articles in which thin women are insulted for being skinny. Skinny-shaming exists.

A category of naturally lean women with fast metabolisms feel uncomfortable in their skin. They try to gain weight to look normal enough for those who call them “skeletal” and ­“undernourished”. I find it hypocritical.

Body positivity doesn’t necessarily come at the expense of other body types. You’re allowed to have any body type and still deserve love, care and attention. People’s opinions are just that: opinions. Words are not automatically facts.

Instead of promoting one body type and seeking its acceptance, all body types should be defended. Bony women should be encouraged to love their appearance just as much as curvy women are.

Body positivity is not about favouring one type over the other; it’s about embracing all people, no matter their shape or size. Moreover, it’s about accepting other people’s bodies even if they are different from yours, feeling comfortable in your own skin and, most importantly, loving yourself.

Women are not commodities who should be expected to look a certain way. We all deserve to enjoy the way we look, without feeling bad. No matter how hard the media and biased people try, we shouldn’t just conform to what they want us to be. I’m all about that bass – and treble.

Alia Al Hazami is a student at the American University of Sharjah and the author of Alatash.

If you're an Emirati woman who has an interesting story to tell or an important issue to debate, contact Shireena Al Nowais on salnuwais@thenational.ae