The November issue of Marie Claire magazine celebrates the female body – in all its shapes and sizes! As you’ll recall, the mag partnered with their beautiful November cover stars (Tamara Dey, Pabi Moloi, Karlien van Jaarsveld, Poppy Ntshongwana and Bridgitte Hartley) to encourage young girls and women to do the same. We caught up with cover star Bridgitte Hartley (far left) to discuss how she really feels about her body! Here’s what she had to say…

This is such an amazing initiative! Tell us what it was like being a part of Marie Claire’s special body issue?

The Body Special is a very special edition. It’s something that all women should be passionate about – we should all love our bodies but somehow, in this world we live in, everyone is so conscious. I travel to Europe a lot and the women that side ride their bicycles in their bikinis! You would never see that in SA. So many people are shy about their bodies so it’s great to make them aware that they shouldn't be. You really should be able to just walk on the beach and not feel as if someone is staring at you – even if you don’t have the classic model type body.

How is your own body image?

I’m also judgemental about my own body! Because I’m an athlete, my upper body has to be a lot bigger and stronger than most women. I sometimes feel conscious about my upper body and then a lot of people will say, ‘But Bridgitte, you’ve got such beautiful arms!’ It makes me aware that my body is beautiful - just in a different way.  Everyone has a different shape, but we are all beautiful.

What’s your favourite body part?

My legs probably…I’ve been told I’ve got nice legs. It’s definitely not my boobs, I don’t have boobs!

What message do you hope South African women take from the campaign?

Love your body! Stand in front of the mirror each morning and say to yourself,  “This is my body and I’m happy with it!”

Head on over to Marie Claire's website to sign their Body Bill of Rights...we love it!