Fat, short, albino: When jokes become lifelong scars

In the face of relentless body-shaming, individuals like Iyanu Olawale and Toyin Faronbi have endured painful experiences that have affected their self-esteem and career prospects. Olawale, a 27-year-old office assistant, faced daily humiliation at her job due to her weight, which eventually led to a rejection letter from a potential employer.

Faronbi, a 32-year-old woman, was dismissed by the Nigeria Immigration Service during a job application due to her size. Both women describe their workplaces as "nightmares" and endure ridicule even outside of their professional lives, including on public transport and in their neighborhoods. Body-shaming, which often appears as harmless jokes, can have devastating effects on mental health and self-worth.

Psychologists warn that repeated ridicule can lead to isolation and a distorted self-image. Discrimination against people with albinism, such as that faced by entrepreneur Victoria Adesanya, is also a form of body-shaming. These stories highlight the urgent need to address this pervasive issue in Nigerian society.