In the mainstream media, mostly the television networks (broadcast), print media, the movie industry, and, most recently, the blogging space, there has been continuous marginalization of the thicker woman. In industries where other sizes thrive, plus size women have had to put in twice the effort, only to get the slightest acknowledgement or none at all.
Yet, there has been an impressive show of resilience on their ends, with plus size women shining brightly and rising high, even higher than their peers.
Here are some plus size women who have made incredible strides in the niches they chose:
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde: Not only is Omotola one of the pioneers of the video film era in Nollywood, but this queen is also a philanthropist. In 2014, she was honoured by the Nigerian Government as an MFR (Member of the Order of the Federal Republic). Aside from her iconic roles in movies, she is renowned for lending her voice to causes like “Rewrite the Future Campaign,” and the fierce human rights efforts are directed to helping the youths through her project, the “Omotola Youth Empowerment Programme.” To top it all, she is a mother to four kids and has been happily married since 1996. It is possible to do it all!
Mercy Johnson-Okojie: The award-winning actress, right after secondary school, auditioned for her first role in the movie The Maid, and 16 years later, she is still one of the top women in the industry with over 100 movies under her belt. She is also the SSA (Senior Special Assistant) to the Kogi State Governor on Entertainment, Arts, and Culture. Mercy is married with three children and has another baby on the way.
Toolz: Tolu Oniru is a presenter, talk show host, and, more popularly, a radio presenter on The Beat FM. She has talked about how she got her first radio presenting job by accident, afraid she would be fired after three months. Thankfully, she wasn’t. She has gone on to work with Walt Disney Pictures and MTV Europe, and now she is famous for “The Midday Show” which she hosts every weekday on The Beat FM.
Uche Jombo: The 40-year-old actress has been in some of Nollywood’s most memorable movies and is still killing it in the industry. In 2008, she delved into the production of movies with her own production company and began directing after her son’s birth in 2015. Her beautiful family is a reminder that you can have it all, especially as a plus-size lady.
Dami Elebe: This amazing lady is a radio presenter on The Beat FM. When she is not on-air, gracing our radios with her voice, she’s doubling as a scriptwriter and sometimes musician. Some of her notable works are the shows Skinny Girl in Transit and Jimeji.
Lolo: This beautiful plus size woman was the host of Oga Madam on Wazobia FM before she left the media outfit to pursue other endeavours. Lolo, Omotunde David, is a single mother of four, and still blows our minds daily. She has also starred in a few on-screen productions, with the most prominent role being “Adaku” on Jenifa’s Diaries.
Other remarkable women in the industry include:
Chioma “Chigul” Omeruah, Eniola Badmus, Funke Akindele, Ini Edo, Biodun Okeowo, Anita Joseph, and a lot of other women. They have accomplished great feats and continue to dazzle. They are a proof that you can do whatever it is you set out to, regardless of size.
Go take the industry by storm. It belongs to you too!
Photo Credit: Legit
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