Let’s Talk #DoveInspired

Dove continues to be a pioneer in redefining beauty and
self-love. Their #DoveInspired campaign and their aim at young girls is why I wanted
to take part in this campaign. I was astounded when I heard these findings from
their studies:

• “72 percent of girls (ages 10-17) feel tremendous pressure
  to be beautiful [1]”
• “Only 11 percent of girls (ages 10-17) are comfortable using
  the word beautiful to describe themselves[2]”
• “When girls feel bad about their looks more than 60 percent
  globally (age 15 to 17) avoid normal daily activities such as attending school,
  going to the doctor, or even giving their opinion[3]”

via Pinterest

Girls are listening –
we, as women, need to start the conversation and plant the seed with younger girls who need that guidance. 

When I was asked “how would you talk to a
young girl about beauty and self-esteem?” I flashed back to when I was that age
and how I felt about my appearance. I too fell under that 89% of little girls
who wouldn’t feel comfortable saying I was beautiful. It wasn’t until I was
older and more educated that I realized that “beautiful” is not defined by
appearance. Looking back, my source of confidence started coming from my
education because it remained my priority and it felt good to be good at
something. Accomplishing those goals at school boosted my confidence which in
turn allowed me to be myself and stand by my own opinions.

My advice to young
girls is that beauty is better defined by who you are inside and how kind you are
to others and enjoying your childhood. It’s not about the clothes you wear or your appearance. What makes us beautiful is being ourselves, not following in
the footsteps of celebrities or the “cool girl” at school. Empower yourself
with an education, because the power of the brain and hard work will take you further than a
mirror!

It’s a concept that as a young girl you might not realize but trust in
an elder who has been through it and take our advice: You are beautiful!

Para las mamás o mentores Latinas: Dove y Vive Mejor crearon esta pagina para comensar esta conversación con niñas que necesitan de nuestros consejos y apoyo.

☮ & ♥,

Pau

This post is in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and Dove. This post was written by me and expresses my genuine views. 

Sources:

[1,2] Source: Dove Global Research The Real Truth About Beauty: Revisited

[3]  Source: Dove Global Research: Rebuilding the Foundation of Beauty Beliefs