Ghanaian plus-size model, women’s advocate and founder of The Indigo Care Foundation, Esinam Zigah, has shared how her modeling journey helped build her confidence and gave her a platform to advocate for issues affecting women and people living with sickle cell disease.
According to Zigah, her interest in modeling began during childhood, largely influenced by her grandmother, who encouraged her to catwalk on their compound and jokingly predicted that she would one day become Miss Ghana.
What started as a childhood activity gradually developed into a passion and eventually became an important part of her personal and professional journey.
“My modeling journey gave me confidence and purpose,” Zigah said, explaining that the experience taught her the importance of visibility, self-confidence and presenting herself with strength despite challenges.
Her work in the fashion and beauty industry has also allowed her to promote body positivity and challenge conventional beauty standards. As a plus-size model, Zigah has used her visibility to encourage women to embrace their identities and appreciate diverse body types.
Beyond modeling, Zigah has built a strong record in leadership and advocacy. During her time as Women’s Commissioner at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), she organized the institution’s first sickle cell screening and awareness talk show.
The initiative provided students with information about sickle cell disease and genotype testing, while encouraging members of the university community to take their health more seriously.
Zigah said the discovery of positive cases among some individuals who were previously unaware of their status highlighted the importance of regular awareness and screening programmes.
Her advocacy extends beyond GIMPA, with Zigah participating in programmes focused on women’s safety, sexual harassment and sickle cell awareness.
She has also collaborated with fashion and lifestyle brands including Christie Brown, GTP, Bloom by Edzie, Crest Mood and February by Serwaa, using these partnerships to promote Ghanaian fashion, inclusivity, self-love and body positivity.
Her passion for sickle cell advocacy is particularly personal because she lives with the condition. This experience inspired her to establish The Indigo Care Foundation, which seeks to provide support, raise awareness and change perceptions surrounding sickle cell disease.
Looking ahead, Zigah said she wants to expand her influence as a public figure while strengthening the foundation’s reach across Ghana and beyond.
She hopes to build strategic partnerships, increase support for people affected by sickle cell disease and create sustainable programmes that promote health, empowerment and inclusion.
Through modeling, leadership and advocacy, Zigah continues to use her personal experiences and public platform to encourage young women to embrace their identities while contributing to meaningful social change.
