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Fearless. Empowering. Magical. Admirable. Liberating. Endearing. If you asked us the definition of FEMALE, we’d tell you there’s so much more to us than what biologically sets us apart. We recently had the opportunity to speak to our Curvy Cuties, and this is what they had to say about what womanhood means to them!
With Women’s History Month coming to a close, highlighting those within full-figured communities is pertinent, especially in today’s anti-fat climate. As if being a woman doesn’t already come with much strife, navigating as a plus size person is another added layer to the numerous reasons why spaces like The Curvy Fashionista and our core audience are necessary to the current playing field. However, what womanhood means looks different for everyone.
What womanhood means to others does not always include us. Whether it’s the softness that we embody or our keen abilities to tackle every day with the weight of the world on our shoulders (literally and figuratively, specifically in society), there are so many facets to us that deserve the utmost respect. Way too often, as larger individuals, our “heavier” appearances prompt the public to demean and devalue us. But… through the body positivity movement, we’ve been put in a position to pull our power back, reinforcing the fact that our uniqueness goes far beyond the pounds on our bodies.
We’re human, with the same experiences as any other woman. Our extra stripes and struggles only lead to the gems we (effortlessly) rock in our crowns… from the soles of our feet pressed against the scale to the butt of the world’s opinions that we overcome daily. Here are these fluffy babes’ takes on their inner goddesses, what womanhood means to them, and how they’ve learned to embrace all they are and will become.
The Curvy Committee Shares What Womanhood Means to Them
Chasidy, 30
I’m invincible as f*ck! My strength as a woman is immeasurable. It’s an unwavering force of resilience, grace, and dominion. What I admire about myself the most would have to be my heart. I’ve been through some things, but in each of those uncomfortable situations, I’ve only cracked, never crumbled. I have the mind, body, and soul of a warrior. Where there is a problem, I am the solution, and that, right there, is my superpower.
I thank God for choosing me to be me. All that I am and have gone and grown through has prepared me for this moment. I adore the woman I am, the foundation I am and will always be for my family, and how they love me because of it.
Amber, 27
Most of my teenage years and early twenties were spent putting men on pedestals and feeling as if I had to prove that I was enough. Now, at almost 30, I finally realize that I am enough for me. And that’s all that will ever matter. My epitome came when it hit me that my power could never lie in the hands of someone I literally give life to! I choose me. Over and over again. In this life and the next. I see the beauty in my being, the chaos my curves can cause alone. I’m a lover–sometimes, a fighter, if it’s worth it. I’m also a nurturer.
My heart is big, my smile even bigger. I face hard times with a sense of softness and serenity. I’m passionate, kind, and intelligent. My womanhood is so dear to me because through it, I’ve discovered what I should’ve a long time ago: the best parts of me. The only thing I would change about being a woman is my period. Now, that? I can do without.
Jeanie, 55
My greatest achievement in life is motherhood. I never got married; it’s always just been my children and me. Every battle I had to face alone. While I raised my girls, I often asked God, “Why me?” He soon let me know that I was the woman for the job. I couldn’t see it then, but I see it now. Had I not grown up watching my mother care for five kids and never break a sweat (well, unless she did when our heads were turned), I wouldn’t have been able to take on the challenge.
I was disabled at an early age and suffered from depression because of it, which forced me to do the very best that I could. When I look at the beautiful women I brought up, I’m reminded of my strength. I’m reminded of how good it feels to know that my womanhood gives me the ability to march up mountains many would’ve fallen off of. Thank you to my Nicci and Tee-Tee for making me somebody’s mama. It made me realize just how strong I truly am.
Daphne, 38
This is a really hard question because womanhood is such a broad journey! OH EM GEE! Let me first start by saying, I used to loathe myself. Like… a lot. Sounds harsh, but it’s the truth. I never felt pretty because “friends” and “family” never ceased to make me feel like the ugly duckling. It didn’t help that I was surrounded by people with slim silhouettes.
I was conditioned to believe there was no room for my 200-pound body, and I needed to “fix” what was “wrong with me.” Then, suddenly, one day, it appeared to me, “No, Daphne. Something’s wrong with them!” Ever since that day, which just so happened to be my 25th birthday, I’ve worked on loving everything about me that others told me to hate. The mind is a powerful thing. Once I changed my mindset, a new me opened up. My road to true womanhood began. It’s safe to say I like it here. I can rise above anything someone says about me. To me, that’s the real essence of a big, bada** woman.
Kendra, 24
I love women, and I love everything about being one. I’m probably one of the closest definitions of a girl’s girl. I have six sisters and a dope mom. I come from a long line of amazing women who taught me all about womanhood. From them, I learned the importance of having class, tenacity, and a good education. I remain poised, even under pressure. I’m steadfast in my goals. In my eyes, no dream is too far from being a reality.
I can do and get anything I want out of this life. I’m a woman; that alone is my ticket to success. My granny always tells me everything I need is already inside of me. I pride myself on being the beauty and the brains. Some may say it’s cocky, I say it’s understanding who I am and where I’m trying to go. To the female TCF readers out there, I hope none of you ever go to sleep at night wondering if you’re worthy. You deserve the best! Give it to yourself.
Womanhood is a blessing, especially when you have a tribe of others rooting behind, beside, and before you. We are sending a huge hug to the gorgeous ladies who contributed to this piece!
Who runs the world? Uh, clearly… women.
Interested in sharing what womanhood means to you? We’d love to hear it in the comments below! Let us know what womanhood means to you!
