Yarra Ranges women are invited to participate in The My Body’s Story project with a free taster event on International Women’s Day.
Project coordinator and body image consultant Louise Wigg said, “Our body-centred culture can objectify and judge bodies. Simultaneously we have well-intentioned but often stigmatising messages about the risks of weight gain. This can leave many people feeling confused and distressed about weight issues”.
She said growing evidence supports the view that a focus on weight and weight loss can lead to stigma, poor body image or body shaming, unhealthy dieting, eating disorders and/or weight gain. Weight stigma and poor body image can lead to a range of mental health issues and eating disorders.
Conversely when women are supported to listen to, connect with and celebrate their body’s story with acceptance and compassion, this can build self confidence and improve physical and mental health and wellbeing, which in turn creates healthier families and communities.
Ms Wigg is teaming up with body empowerment yoga teacher, Cat McKay, photographer, Suzanne Phoenix, This Girl Can Ambassador and fitness instructor, Natasha Korbut, and dietitian Carla Johnson to find and select a diverse range of local women who might be interested in participating in the project.
“Cat and I are really excited about our My Body’s Story project,” Ms Wigg said.
“In many ways our weight-centred, objectifying culture forces us to disconnect from our bodies and, as a result, most of us stopped listening to our body’s wisdom long ago.
“We see this project as a great opportunity for women to reconnect with and celebrate the journey they have shared with their amazing, unique bodies.“
The women will be led through a process of reconnecting with their bodies and trusting their body’s wisdom, preparing them to feel comfortable with sharing their body stories and being photographed.
Women from diverse backgrounds are invited to participate, including Indigenous women, women with a disability and the LGBTQIA+ community.
While the project celebrates body diversity, bigger bodied women will be specifically invited share their stories. This project aims to promote diversity and inclusivity and is open to all Yarra Ranges women who are over 18.
A project introduction and workshop taster will run on International Women’s Day, Monday 8 March, followed by an online information session later in March. A ‘Body of Empowerment’ workshop will be held in early May to coincide with International No Diet Day and the final exhibition will be held at Warburton Arts Centre and/or online in early September to coincide with Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
“‘It is such an honour to be part of this important community project,” Ms Phoenix said. “Photography has the power to change people, communities and lives. I believe this project will do all those things.”
“Everybody deserves respect and to feel safe,” Ms Korbut said. “My Body’s Story Project provides a platform for women to connect, explore and then share the miraculousness of their body.“
My Body’s Story is a project auspiced by Eating Disorders Victoria and funded by Yarra Ranges Council through the Arts and Heritage Grant scheme.
This project is an incredible opportunity for Yarra Ranges women. To find out more or to register your interest in participating go to http://www.bodyofwellbeing.com.au/my-bodys-story/ or contact: Louise Wigg 0407 838 961 louise@bodyofwellbeing.com.au
