In Nigeria, World No Bra day, just like most international days is hardly marked or taken seriously because there is little or no awareness, this is worse at the grassroots or local communities.
It is celebrated every 13th day of October every year, to sensitize people of the risks of Breast cancer, it is however not a coincidence that it falls in Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Women are encouraged to go without wearing bras on this day as a reminder of how deadly breast cancer is and to keep them aware it is preventable or curable if detected on time.
The motive for creating the day is to promote breast cancer awareness in both men and women and encourage all to spot early warning signs and get an edge in the fight against the disease.
The day was set aside 10 years ago on July 9, 2011, but was reversed to October 13th three years later, so that it can be celebrated within Cancer awareness month.
The original event, known as “BRA Day”, was started by Toronto plastic surgeon Dr. Mitchell Brown. She organized the first event and titled it “Breast Reconstruction- Evening of Learning and Sharing” in Toronto, Canada at Women’s College Hospital and Toronto General Hospital.
For years, women, including their Nigerian counterparts, have protested the physical and cultural restrictions imposed by bras. It is to interpret rejection of society’s perception of women’s bodies and dress requirements.
On this day, social media users trend the hashtag on Instagram and Twitter especially, alerting women of breast cancer symptoms and encouraging them to conduct regular self-examinations.
Source: Kalingatv.com