World No Bra Day to promote breast cancer awareness
World no bra day is celebrated on October 13 every year, which falls right in the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The motive of the day is to promote breast cancer awareness in both men and women and encourages all to spot early warning signs and get an edge in the fight against the disease. The movement also encourages gender equality.
However, women, in general, are encouraged to go bra-less on this day in order to remind people that breast cancer is a potentially fatal disease, but also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
The origin of this day goes back to July 9, 2011, but within three years it had moved to the 13th day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The original event is known as “BRA Day”, which was started by Toronto plastic surgeon Dr. Mitchell Brown. She organised the first event of the day titled “Breast Reconstruction– An Evening of Learning and Sharing” in Toronto, Canada at Women’s College Hospital and Toronto General Hospital.
For years, women 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.
Social media users trend the hashtag #nobraday on Instagram and Twitter especially, alerting women of breast cancer symptoms, and encouraging them to conduct regular self examinations.
No bra day!!!! Still on the journey of educative session as we go braless to encourage women to promote breast cancer awareness. Join us let's protect our women#cohssknust#knust pic.twitter.com/5MRWS0Qmoz
— Ephya_KNUST (@Epis_Vanessa) October 13, 2021
#NoBraDay aims to raise more awareness in the importance of breast screening whether by self-examination or regular screening.
Free the boobs today 😉 pic.twitter.com/wHQF7llbFg
— J.K. Homezi (@jkhomezi) October 13, 2021
