My life was never easy, being someone of plus size nature is never an easy task – Sasha Rawof 

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes it can be hard to remember that on a day when you’re subjected to bullying, body shaming, and a number of criticisms because you’re a ‘plus-size.’ However, 26-year-old Ashmeeta Rawof continues to be a glaring example to plus size women on how they can be comfortable in their own skin.

Sasha Rawof during various stages in her life

Ashmeeta, popularly known as Sasha, was born on Saturday, 30th July 1994, at Woodlands Hospital to Asha Rawof and Rasheed Haiyaat. She is the only child and grew up in the beautiful village of Cornelia Ida on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD). During her earlier years, she attended the Cornelia Ida Nursery School then the Cornelia Ida Primary School before transitioning to the West Demerara Secondary School.

While at her nursery school graduation, Sasha recognised her love for dancing when she performed a popular Bollywood song at the graduation ceremony. Although at that time she was uncertain about how the crowd would have responded, little Sasha went on stage and danced like no one was watching, and, to her surprise, the audience was cheering and even dancing along with her.

But being plus size was never an easy task for Sasha, as she would have continuously met with criticisms about her “size.” However, her mother, Asha, who was a teacher at Cornelia Ida Nursery School, always provided the star to her cloudy day when she met with these negativity.

“My life was never easy ….being someone of a plus-size nature is never an easy task to deal with…I grew up with mom and grandma.they both made all the necessary sacrifices to ensure I got everything I wanted and the best education,” the young woman shared.

Growing up, she always wanted to become a lawyer, but her family was not financially stable enough for her to pursue this dream. Nevertheless, after graduating from the West Demerara Secondary School, she landed her first job at PKF Barcellos Narine and Company in 2012.

This vibrant young girl had many goals and plans, including to start studying at the University of Guyana, but in 2015, her dreams and hopes were snatched away following the passing of her mother on the 29th of September 2015. This was also compounded with her grandmother’s passing, someone she holds very dearly, 10th January 2017.

“That is when my entire world became shattered. My only family had gone and left me…what was my purpose in life? I started to question myself…however, I have a few genuine friends that never left my side …always supported me through my journey of life.”

Following the unfortunate situation, Sasha was left alone and wanted to end her life in a bid to reunite with her family in heaven. On that day, she attempted to take her life. But God had better plans in store for her. Young Pioneers – an NGO which aims to expose youth to capacity building opportunities while reminding them of their duties towards society through engaging in charitable projects- came to her aid. This unfortunate time in her life would later spark her passion for humanity.

“Like everyone else, I am also imperfect, and I make mistakes, but I let my mistake serve as a lesson so that I can achieve my goals. However, the day I attempted suicide, I got the opportunity to join an NGO to better myself and to put my focus elsewhere.”

After getting over her mother and grandmother’s passing, Sasha was then faced with another issue – body shaming. People began calling her all kinds of names because she was plus-sized.

“Many days I would lock up in my room and cry recalling all the horrible names I’m being called and the hurtful things I’m being told just being I’m a plus-size…people underestimate me because of my size.”

Those negativities prompted her to post motivational quotes about plus size women on Facebook, which grew as an inspiration for other women facing similar situations.

“I even went to the extent of making dance videos and putting them on Facebook so people can see that not because someone is ‘fat’ they cannot dance. I continue to use my Facebook as a platform to talk about body shaming and even did a body-shaming campaign at the West Demerara Secondary School through my organisation.”

Ashmeeta’s advice to women who might be a plus-size with low self-esteem is simple;

“You have to know about self-love; You have to love yourself first, then everything falls into place. I had to start with accepting and loving myself for who I am. Then is when my self-esteem started also building with my confidence.”

She also credited her success to her mother, grandmother, and some really close friends who have been helping her realise her full potential. Not forgetting her bosses – Noel Narine and Vishwamint Ramnarine, contributed to her development.

I would credit my success to my mom, grandma..dad also my very few genuine friends who always pushed me to pursue my dreams. I remember I was just a member of an NGO, and I was pushed to start my own…and today my NGO is recognised not just in Guyana but other countries also. Every day is a new challenge, and we may not have the energy to face what’s ahead, but I’m encouraging everyone that regardless of what’s thrown at you, just pick that up, lift your head high, and use that as a tool to fuel your drive to move forward,” she advises her fellow plus-size women.

Currently, Sasha is the co-founder and Director for Youths on the Rise Guyana; Tour Manager for Prevention of Teenage Suicide (POTS); Member of Rivah; Executive Volunteer/Head Leader for Miss Earth Guyana; Representative for Human Rights International; Administrative Assistant for Recover; Public Speaking Facilitator for Vocal Identity Series and Financial Secretary for Cornelia Ida Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO).

She hopes to start studying at the University of Guyana next year. In the coming years, this role model plans to have a media business where she can share balanced and accurate news throughout Guyana. She is also working on her novel, which is expected to be published soon. The novel will have a vast focus on her journey so far and how she became successful.