Self Image

Self-image can be defined as the way you look at yourself. From the day you were born, you start creating it. The notion of self-image describes the way you look and think about yourself and how you think other people feel about you. Self image can change over the years. You, however, are not the only one who has a role in this, because it's also influenced by your environment. 


The way you think about yourself can influence your path towards the future. This can be both negative or positive. If you believe in yourself and your powers, you create more confidence, happiness and success. It can help you to become resilient against misleading images and to fully develop yourself. If you have a more negative self-image, it can hold you back in everything you do. 

8 ways to empower boys and girls

1. Boost Their Self-Esteem

Boosting the children's self-esteem is a very important step in the process of empowerment. The exercises in the PDF can be a great help for this. 

 

2. Shut Down Negativity

Girls and women can regularly experience negativity, especially teenagers.
When you see this happening in the center, shut down these negative comments. Combat negativity by promoting body positivity, intelligence and authenticity.The girls will appreciate it! ツ 

 

3. Help Them Stand Up For Themselves

Children should be able to stand up for themselves. This applies not only to girls, but also to boys. It's important that they have their own opinion and they know the value of it, so they're never scared to use their voice. This way they can say for themselves whether they stand behind a certain vision or not.
Make sure they know they can always come to you when they can't succeed to stand up for themselves in a certain situation. 
You can find an exercise in the PDF so the children can practice this. 

 

4. Let Children Be Children

It is important for the child's development that a child can be a child. Encourage them, even if it's not according to the present gender roles. Let them be adventurous, curious and most importantly, let them be children. 

 

5. What's Their Passion?

Help the children find what they really love to do and encourage them. Teach them to never give up on their dreams. You can help them in the process to achieve their goals. 

 

6. Role Models

To help children achieve their goals and to make them believe in themselves, you can show them strong female role models. It demonstrates that they can do anything they want, regardless of their sex. 
These role models can be anyone. It can be you, their mother, grandmother, a famous woman, etc. 

 

7. Lead By Example

As I already mentioned before, you as an educator, also play a big role in the children's life. Children look up to you and there is a big chance they get influenced by what you do. Be an invaluable source of love, support and advice and teach them how to be strong, kind and confident by pursuing this yourself.

 

8. Go To School 

Going to school is one of the most important things for the further course of the children's lives. It ensures the development of the children, because they learn social skills and they start building things they need for a stable future. You can help spreading this awareness and use your voice to make sure the girls go and keep going to school.