Seventeen women had a literal weight lifted off them during a breast reduction surgery marathon at the Mthatha Regional Hospital at the weekend. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Viwe Nogaga, through his Viwe Nogaga Foundation, led the surgeries in collaboration with Vodacom, medical equipment manufacturing company Smith + Nephew, Mthatha Plastic Manufacturers and the provincial health department.
Living with uncomfortably large breasts is about a lot more than finding the right bra (Karolina Grabowska/Pexels)
Large breasts are celebrated in a patriarchal society that objectifies women’s bodies. But, for these four women, having uncomfortably large breasts has caused painful and embarrassing situations throughout their lives.
“In high school, a male teacher joined in with a group of schoolgirls who were making fun of how big my boobs were. It was humiliating,” recalls Thelmay Wahl. Now, 67, Wahl has experienced a lifetime of physical and emotional pain.
Being mocked, whispered about, and stared at is an almost daily occurrence for women who have very big breasts.