Miss Biggy Zimbabwe

The link is to a slideshow

The inaugural Miss Biggy Matofotofo beauty pageant for Zimbabwean women with a full figure has been held in Harare. Matofotofo means big and fluffy in the Ndebele language. The contest was for women who wear size 40 and above, with no restrictions on age, height and marital status.

Fifteen models took part in the final, after a series of qualifying contests held across the country.

"As big women we should conquer our fears. Zimbabwean men used to think that slim is beautiful, but the truth is that when it comes to the nitty-gritty, they prefer their woman to be bigger!" says Zodwa Munjanja, 36.

The promoter of the pageant is Lwazi Mbowa. She felt that there was no place for swimwear in a contest that challenges perceptions of beauty.

"This is about the true beauty of Africa," she says. "Big women are for chiefs and kings, and we can’t expose chiefs' items in public, so swimwear is completely out."

The contestants modelled in casual clothing, formal wear and traditional African attire. They also answered questions relating to beauty and culture.

go to link for full story...which is quite nice.