Changing trends pressure women to redefine beauty

Anna Simalenga, 64, said that beauty changes as the years move ahead. The resident of Kihesa in Iringa used to define beauty by looking at the traditional markings on a girl’s face, ignoring other morphologies.

“Our eyes and faces were decorated traditionally. I’m shocked that today girls are doing surgeries to adjust their buttocks and breasts,” she said.

A sociologist, Ms Zainabu Idrisa, says peer groups and social circles play a significant role in shaping standards of beauty.

“Women face pressure and criticism from their peers if they do not conform to certain beauty standards, leading to a desire to fit in and conform to societal expectations,” she notes.

She said beauty standards in the country are not fixed or uniform, and there is significant individual and regional variation.

“As society evolves and discussions around body positivity and inclusivity gain momentum, there is also growing acceptance and celebration of diverse beauty ideals in Tanzania,” she said.

According to her, with the globalisation of the media, Western beauty standards have gained popularity and influence in Tanzania.

“That’s why, currently, we are referring to women with slim figures as beautiful just because of their body appearance, without even considering any other criteria.

“Most of the criteria of beauty we copied and pasted from them. That’s why they are most known and used in urban areas,” she said.

She mentioned some common traditional beauty standards, including being charming, respectful, kind, and having traditional hairstyles and body adornments.

“These traditional ideals still hold value for some communities,” she said, citing an example of the Maasai community.

Another sociologist, Mr Alfani Mduge, said increased education and urbanisation have led to changes in perceptions of beauty.

“As Tanzanians become more exposed to global trends and ideas, there is also growing acceptance of different fashion choices and beauty standards,” he said.

He said economic status can also influence the changes in perceptions of beauty among the local families.

“Certain beauty practices, such as cosmetic surgeries, expensive beauty treatments, or fashion trends, may be seen as a symbol of wealth and status,” he said.

The discussions about trends in beauty came after Muhimbili National Hospital-Mloganzila announced that it will be providing cosmetic surgeries to adjust buttocks and breasts starting October 27 this year, and five people have already paid for the service.

The head of the department of surgery at Mloganzila, Dr Eric Muhumba, said the surgeries are targeting tattooed women, injured patients with wounds that require taking flesh and skin from another part of the body to treat them, and others.

“Those who want to undergo these surgeries with no health challenges would meet psychologists before further procedures,” he said.

He added that when the hospital used to offer a “balloon procedure,” women requested cosmetic surgery frequently.

Mloganzila’s specialist surgeon, Dr Edwin Muhondezi, said there are two procedures: to use fat from one part of the body to another or to plant silicone bags in the patient’s breasts or buttocks.

“We will use fats for those who have enough fat in their bodies and silicone bags for those who do not have enough fat in their bodies,” he shared.

He said for those who increase the size of the breasts, if they give birth again, they will have to do another surgery because they shrink after finishing breastfeeding.

He said those who would adjust their breasts or buttocks would need to meet with the psychologists to discuss further procedures.

Psychologist and director of The Better You institution, Mr Jiwa Hassan, said that those who need the service are those who go for health reasons and celebrities.

“They are in need of counselling and therapy, and they will be fine after that,” he said.