Male-dominated sectors like the fitness industry have been known to enforce stereotypes and make it harder for women to succeed.
Along with the big gender pay gap, this is one of the challenges women face. These professions are either too critical of women or not critical enough by undermining them.
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Exercising authentic power
Restrictions around what is considered a palatable image for a female fitness instructor or the moving goal post on career and financial success make it harder for women to gain mutual respect in the industry.
That is why it is gratifying to watch women such as internationally qualified master trainer and Under Armour athlete Aneeka Buys boldly commit herself to an image that does not necessarily make her job easier but speaks to who she is authentically and creates a lasting impact in the profession.
Buys, who follows the Islam religion, has made the personal decision to change her image and wear the hijab on a permanent basis.
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Live authentically
“The hijab refers to more than just a headscarf. It refers to the manners and modesty in your actions too. It serves as a form of modesty and protection for women from the male gaze.
“To me, the hijab has privatised my sexuality, and it now forces people to recognise me as an intelligent human being with knowledge and expertise and not just a body” says Buys.
Buys also adds that authenticity is at the heart of the change in her image and the positive reception she has received from most, reinforces that power lies in authenticity.
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“I had a tough time reconciling what was expected of me religiously, and what the world had come to expect from fitness girls. I was obviously scared about how the hijab would affect my career. But I decided to stop living as an imposter in my own life and be authentically myself”.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
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