THE Council of Irish Guiding Associations (CIGA) recently announced the roll-out of a ground-breaking programme to empower young people to speak out and challenge body image myths.
Over 40 volunteer leaders from Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kildare, Wexford, Meath, Cavan, Clare and Belfast were trained in the Free Being Me programme.
It is hoped that 16,000 Irish girls, aged seven to 14, will take part in the programme over the next six months.
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and the Dove Self-Esteem Project set up Free Being Me with the vision of creating a world free from appearance-related anxiety by boosting the confidence of a whole generation.
Free Being Me unmasks society’s beauty myths – exposing air-brushing and challenging unhealthy body talk.
Through a series of fun, interactive and thought-provoking activities, girls are challenged to stand up and take action to stop unhealthy body ideals affecting the next generation of girls.
Cecilia Browne, chief commissioner of Catholic Guides of Ireland, said that only 38 per cent of girls who took part in a survey carried out by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs were
‘fairly satisfied’ with their body image while 21 per cent were
‘dissatisfied’.
Ms Browne described the statistics as
“shocking
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“Through the Free Being Me programme, girls learn that body confidence and self-esteem come from valuing their bodies, standing up to social pressures and supporting others to be more body-confident,
? said Ms Browne.
“By working together, leading others and speaking out, participants will be empowered to make a difference in their local and global communities.
“A body-confident young woman feels free to be herself, to follow her dreams, fulfil her potential and make a difference in the world.
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Helen Concannon, chief commissioner of Irish Girl Guides, said body image and feelings of self-worth were vital to a happy and healthy state of mind.
“When these two things are low, we limit our ability to achieve anything, even everyday tasks,
? stated Ms Concannon.
“The Free Being Me programme helps girls to look at body image in a new way, a better way, a more meaningful way – a way which helps girls to be more confident.
“We are delighted to partner with Dove and WAGGGS to offer this programme to our girls and leaders.
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