The Dove Self-Esteem Project has been launched in Ireland with the aim of helping young girls reach their full potential by disarming beauty ideals and providing supportive resources to help foster positive body image and self-esteem from an early age.
According to recent in-depth research from Dove of girls aged 10-17, the majority (87%) of girls in Ireland do not have high body self-esteem – above the global average and amongst some of the highest globally.
This can have significant consequences, causing young girls to miss out on activities and opt out of major life events, as well as also hindering young girls’ education.
The Dove Self-Esteem Project aims to reach the lives of 1/3 of all 11–14-year-olds in Ireland by the end of 2021 through a free programme featuring evidence-based resources that are available across Ireland.
Resources provided include activity guides and website articles to help parents tackle tough topics like bullying and poor body image; confidence building workshops for classrooms and educational activities for mentors and youth leaders.
Despite all pressures that girls face, the research found that girls in Ireland still have a positive outlook on their beauty and that of others. They are proud to be who they are and feel driven and inspired, which is something to be celebrated, with 72% of girls in Ireland saying that they are proud to be a girl.
Positively, 81% of girls in Ireland think that every woman and girl have something about her that is beautiful, and 85% feel that they have several skills and qualities.
Seven in ten girls in Ireland (71%) reported that they wish schools would teach them how to value others’ differences, and almost seven in ten girls in Ireland (67%) wish schools would teach them how to feel good in their own bodies.
Resources are now available for teachers, parents, mentors and youth leaders across Ireland – check out the online learning hub at https://www.dove.com/uk/dove-self-esteem-project.html
