Empower young girls aged 14-18 through the promotion of self-esteem, positive body image, and mental well-being by advocating natural beauty. The project aims to challenge and counteract the artificial beauty standards imposed by the media, with the goal of nurturing a healthier and more realistic view of beauty.
In today's times, the negative influence of media messages promoting artificial beauty standards of the mental health of young women is increasingly evident. Specifically, research has shown that social comparisons on social media platforms, such as Facebook, impact young women's concerns about their body image and mood (Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E., 2015). According to this source, media messages emphasizing such beauty standards can adversely affect the mental health of young women, underscoring the need for projects like "BeYou" that address these issues, shows that exposure to idealized images on social media leads to negative mental outcomes among adolescent girls and young women, such as body dissatisfaction and a lack of body respect. Additionally, the Plan International report, (2021), indicates that due to false information on the internet, 1 in 5 girls (20%) is insecure about her physical appearance.
Empower young women by providing tools to boost self-confidence and a positive body image.
Promote natural beauty as an empowering alternative to current beauty standards.
Educate them on media's influence, helping them discern unrealistic beauty expectations.
Foster community by creating a space for young women to connect, share experiences, and champion natural beauty and self-acceptance together.
The "BeYou" project offers a unique blend of natural beauty education, media literacy, and emotional intelligence. Our holistic approach features Adaptive Learning Options with micro-modules tailored for diverse educational needs, ensuring inclusivity. Key methods like Emotion-Reflective Workshops (ERW) include "Emotional Maps" for managing feelings, "Media Filters" for analyzing media, and "Community Journals" for shared experiences. Our digital platform acts as both a learning hub and a virtual community, encouraging critical thinking about beauty norms, boosting emotional skills, and fostering collective growth. This innovative approach empowers young women to navigate the digital world with confidence and resilience.
The "BeYou" project is also dedicated to young women, particularly those aged 14 to 21, who are most vulnerable to the pressures of social media and pop culture. These years are filled with discovering oneself, yet they are often overshadowed by unattainable beauty standards. We've all seen how social media can warp our perceptions—what seems like a casual scroll can turn into a comparison game that leaves us feeling less than.
This project isn’t just about telling young women what they should or shouldn't think; it's about giving them the tools to think critically. When they encounter a heavily edited photo or a message about “ideal” beauty, they’ll be equipped to question it. They’ll be empowered to value their unique traits and view themselves with kindness. It’s not just about resisting negative messages—it’s about embracing the positive ones that youth workers can now bring to the forefront.
Youth workers are at the heart of the "BeYou" initiative. These professionals aren't just mentors—they are vital guides in shaping the emotional and social growth of young women. The "BeYou" project recognizes this pivotal role and seeks to empower youth workers by providing them with innovative tools and educational resources. By addressing topics like natural beauty, media literacy, and emotional intelligence, the project ensures that youth workers are well-equipped to inspire a healthier mindset in the young women they support.
A Toolkit for youth workers with a training plan that will enable young women to learn skills in critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and effective communication.
An online educational platform "BeYou Bite-Sized Knowledge", which includes a detailed description of the importance of natural beauty, media, and societal pressures, as well as a self-assessment test intended for young women.
Awareness campaigns on social media aimed at breaking down stereotypes and promoting natural beauty.
