SELF-ACCEPTANCE, body-positivity and breaking the cycle of self-doubt. This is what Amanzimtoti woman, Cassie Maharaj, 38, stands for as she breaks barriers as a semi-finalist for Mrs Curve South Africa.

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Amid constant comparisons to family, friends and other girls, childhood was full of obstacles for Maharaj.

“I always felt self-conscious about my weight. People saw me as ‘the fat girl,’ a plain Jane relegated to the sidelines watching others shine. In my teens, I hated going out. I was mortified by the way I looked. I had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a hormonal disorder that causes irregular periods, high androgen levels leading to acne, hirsutism or excessive male-pattern hair growth in women, and polycystic ovaries,” explained Cassie.

She said that life changed for the better when she met her husband, Ritesh Maharaj, who showed her unconditional love and acceptance. The pair has three children together.

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“In 2019, I made the tough decision to leave my career so my husband could pursue his offshore career. I lost a part of myself in the process. Last year, something shifted and I realised that when I turn 40, my son will be five. I want to be healthy, happy and present for him and my daughters. I changed the way I eat, exercise regularly and my daily life has transformed,” she said.

She now has her own business and recently achieved her spot in the semi-finals of Mrs Curve.

She explained that she would like to show her daughters that women can do anything.

“I entered to break stereotypes, change the narrative, conquer my fears and to use my voice to empower other women. So far, we’ve built a sisterhood. It’s not been cut-throat competition. It has been amazing as I’ve become friends with these women,” said Maharaj.

She hopes to eventually become more confident in her public speaking, as it is one of her fears. Maharaj added that she would like to inspire young woman and girls to be comfortable in their own bodies and to unapologetically be their authentic selves.

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