Ramona Kasavan
Playing with Barbie dolls as a child –I had a collection of more than 50 from around the world – began my institutionalization into the world of the expected female body image. Weight issues and self-esteem problems during my teens changed my outlook drastically. I turned to glossy magazines that polluted my head further with unrealistic notions of girlishness. Being a free-spirited farm girl from the majestic hills of Inanda in rural KwaZulu Natal, my life has always been about reward and effort, as well as helping people less fortunate than myself. While coming from a traditional Indian home, academics have always been the forefront of my life for my parents. The image of a door bearing the words Dr. Ramona Kasavan has always inspired me. For my post grad degree it was obvious to me that I would write about adolescents and teenage-hood. It was an amazing topic: totally mind blowing. This forced me to explore the two greatest mysteries in my life- the constructs of femininity in advertising, and my own sense of self. Six years ago I ventured into the world of broadcast media and quickly developed an instinct for doing things differently, coupled with a strong desire to challenge mind-sets. After working at two commercial radio stations, I find myself a respected television personality for the public broadcaster. I was overwhelmed; I realized how visible I had become when I saw my name in flashing lights. I now had the power to effect real change. Based on my academic insights and broadcast experience I created the "Happy Days" sanitary pads brand to help young women feel confident, to embrace their periods and understand their bodies. "Happy Days" speaks one simple language, that of the menstrual cycle. Happy Days celebrates womanhood and makes girls accept themselves and countering the insecurities faced by youth of today. Studies show that positive thinking and positive emotions shape our society.
