Women’s bodies are often picked apart for banter or bigger issues that they are often not allowed a say. Because of this, a lot of women internalise shame around their bodies. I’m not sure what my favourite body part is but here’s 10 Nigerian women talk about theirs:
Sade, 21
My favourite body parts are my legs. They’re not long or anything but they are soft and smooth. I take extra care to moisturize them so they always shine. I have neurofibromatosis, and my legs are the only places I don’t have spots. They are also thick compared to the rest of my body. I don’t like long skirts or dresses, because how else will I show off my beautiful legs?
Ire, 24
I love how beautiful my fingers are. I have long nails, so I always feel great when people ask me, “Are those your real nails?” I don’t think I can get over that compliment.
Ehi, 27
To be honest, my vagina is my favourite part of my body. I grew up being a smart kid and when I first encountered failure in my teens, I wanted to strip that identity away. I wanted to be more desirable than smart. I found that the quickest way was fucking around. My vagina helped me achieve my goals. There is also the fact that my vagina gives me pleasure — I’m incredibly blessed with orgasms.
Timinepre, 25
I love my face because it’s beautiful. Everything on it — my eyes, my cheekbones, my lips, and my bone structure work perfectly to make a stunning face.
Winnie, 18
I love my upper body — from my chest to my pelvic area because I think it’s sexy for someone who doesn’t have abs.
Shasha, 22
I love my legs. I would have been short without them. They also don’t have spots and the finest scar I have is on my legs. What’s not to love?
Farida, 25
I love my vagina simply because it gives me pleasure.
Thelma, 21
My favourite body part is my toenails. I used to get a lot of compliments about them in secondary school. I think they are cute.
Ewatomi, 25
I love my arms — they don’t have any discolouration like the rest of my body. They are also the smoothest part of my body. I love how the scars from when I used to harm myself are fading away. It reminds me how far I have come.
Lady, 25
I really like my breasts. I used to be insecure about how big they were when I was younger but I have grown to love them now.
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