Zodwa Wabantu speaks about not shaving her pubic hair – and it might be a lesson for all women.
In a video she shared on her Instagram page, the dancer can be seen walking, with the camera focused below her waist. She is dressed in only a bikini bottom and her private region and thighs are in full view.
She captioned the video, “I'm not Fat if I can still see my Cookie I don't Shave a Chiskop bi***”
As controversial as the 34-year-old dancer is, she has managed to consistently create conversation on the freedom women can have to express themselves and their bodies.
This post – as many others – gained over 128k views and over one thousand comments. Most of the comments were kin to cyber bullying as many told her that she needs to ‘shave that thing’ and some called her a ‘bi***’. Others however, agreed with Zodwa that women should not have to shave for the benefit of others.
“Why should women shave? Is it not an individual’s preference? Why do people find it Ohk to tell others how they should look and what to wear,” one commenter wrote. [sic]
Another fan wrote, “You’re a realist and I love u for that, I hated my body, but you showed me that I should embrace my imperfections, thank you for that.” [sic]
So Mzansi’s most loved entertainer isn’t about shaving her vagina, but what do the experts say about the benefits and risks of doing so?
Speaking to Hello Giggles, women’s health expert, Dr Jessica Shepherd said for women, “there is no biological reason to remove pubic hair, however, shaving down there is a safe option for removal, as long as you're doing it correctly.”
READ MORE: The endless pubic hair debate: shedding all myths
Pubic hair however does serve a actual health benefit for women. According to ob-gyn Jacqueline Walters, “It provides a cushion against friction that can cause skin abrasion and injury; protection from bacteria and other unwanted pathogens, and is the visible result that long-awaited adolescence hormones have kicked in,” she said speaking to Glamour.
She also added that it is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.
An article by Cosmopolitan also suggests that having pubic hair can actually make sex more pleasurable for you and your partner.
The pubic hair covers the sweat glands and ould be there to trap pheromones and attract potential partners. They also act as protection from friction during actual sexual intercourse.
So as much hate as Zodwa Wabantu is getting for deciding to keep her pubic hair, it might be something that is actually good for all women.
