Snyman plans to use her title to create mental health awareness in Namibia, especially among younger plus-size women.
“I’m planning to host events to create mental health awareness and educate people on proper mental health and the stigma around it,” she says.
She adds that she will be doing more projects relating to her title as a public figure and ambassador for plus-ize women in Namibia, to help people understand body positivity, and advocating self-acceptance concerning body images.
“I firmly believe that we are all made differently for a reason. I want to empower women to be confident in their skin and not just accept their bodies, but to learn to love it as well,” says Snyman.
She adds that she wants to use her title as a stepping stone to being the Ashley Graham of Namibia.
“My projects will commence as soon as I have the go-ahead from my Miss Plus-Size Namibia team.”
GETTING TO KNOW
MARELI SNYMAN
Snyman was born in South Africa and moved to Windhoek in 2005.
She reflects varied personality traits, including ambition, and the qualities of generosity and thoughtfulness.
“I’m also a well-determined and vigorous individual, yet pleasantly calm. I encourage fighting for what you desire and believe in, and doing it through God because nothing great comes easy, and with God everything is possible.”
Being a registered nurse by profession has motivated her, as she strives to become an outstanding and successful woman in today’s society.
“I’m a holder of an honours degree in nursing, which I obtained at the University of Namibia in 2019,” she recounts.
Snyman says she has had an interest in pageantry from a tender age and has participated in three pageants so far.
“As a plus-size woman in Namibia, I have realised that being ‘bigger’ than the ‘normal’ has put enormous stress on our Namibian women and their mental health.”
“I have never been the ‘skinny girl’, the girl who everyone wanted to be friends with. I was self-conscious most of my life growing up. I tried to be like other girls, tried to fit in a society where women were constantly criticised for being authentic and a bit ‘bigger’ than the norm.”
“Apart from the above, I have kept a keen interest in cosmetology and enjoy making people laugh, and most importantly spending time with my loved ones,” says Snyman.
She says she never had any confidence until she found Ashley Graham on Instagram.
“It was like a bomb went off in my head. There and then I realised that beauty is not defined by how you look, but by what you have to offer. Since that day I worked on myself and my self-confidence.”
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
