article · BMC Women s Health
The study explored how contrasting societal expectations of female attractiveness influence body image among young Banyankole women in the Ankole region of Uganda. We conducted narrative, in-depth interviews with 30 women aged 15–24 years and analysed the data using reflexive thematic analysis. Three interrelated themes emerged: navigating contradictory beauty and gender expectations; emerging lifestyles and daily routines that shape young women’s bodies; and shifting standards of physical attractiveness. These findings demonstrate how young women navigate competing appearance ideals, influencing their body image and self-esteem, with significant implications for families, schools, and workplaces.
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DOI: 10.1186/s12905-026-04846-9
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