Meet Zehra Hussain, Pakistan’s first body image activist

Body shaming is a global problem. The West has somehow started accepting it but being a plus-size in Pakistan is still an issue as people always end up giving unsolicited advice. Zehra decided to stand against the trend and speak against it at a very young age.

Zehra Hussain is a doctor-turned-designer who found a plus-size clothing brand ‘Xera’. She is Pakistan’s first body image activist who contributed to presenting the idea of getting comfortable in your own skin.

MM: How did you initiate Xera? What was your motivation towards it?

Zehra Hussain: I always wanted to be a fashion model and the first one but I knew that Pakistan would not be accepting of the plus-size model so I thought I would do something different and I thought of creating a brand and a community that would have a much bigger impact than just being a model.

MM: What were the main challenges that you faced?

Zehra Hussain: I was unsure how people would respond to XERA because I knew a plus-size brand was a dire need but at the same time I wondered how the audience would react to the acceptance of plus size bodies/models. However, the response has been overwhelming.

MM: How did you learn to accept body positivity?

Zehra Hussain: I became a body-positive activist a few years ago. It wasn’t a one-day thing. Its a mentality and a movement that one introduces gradually to their own self. I began to have self-respect and self-love and more self-awareness.

MM: What is the lesson you realised while learning to accept your body?

Zehra Hussain: I learned to be fearless in accepting my body or else people will always comment on it like it’s their property.

MM: How can we change stereotyping in our society to stop body shaming?

Zehra Hussain: More and more POSITIVE representation of plus-size bodies in the media and fashion industry.

MM: Have been faced any criticism? How did you deal with it?

Zehra Hussain: I know what I am doing and I tread responsibly and carefully. I always have my answers ready for all sorts of criticism.

MM: Do celebrities or models make us more self-conscious about your body?

Zehra Hussain: Yes, for sure. Most mainstream celebrities blatantly body shame people on the media and promote it. The fashion industry is also the main culprit in making the average woman feel inferior about their body type. 

MM: Do you think social media has created new beauty standards for women?

Zehra Hussain: In each era, there has been a certain beauty standard. The age of social media has a significant role in promoting acceptance for all.

MM: What are the obstacles faced by plus size women in our society?

Zehra Hussain: Plus size clothing, Rishta rejections, no good roles in the media, workplace harassment, not being given proper medical care, etc.

MM: Has there been any change in our acceptance of plus-size bodies?

Zehra Hussain: A lot more work still needs to be done. There has been a dialogue on social media every now and then regarding acceptance but we have a long way to go. It all begins at home and at school. We need to work on grass-root levels to teach acceptance for all!