Why it matters.

Changing the way we define beauty can change lives.

Self-esteem has an effect on every aspect of a person's life. When girls and women feel positive about themselves and the way they look, they are more likely to engage in life, enjoy social interactions and live up to their full potential.

Research from around the globe has repeatedly demonstrated the effects of stereotypical beauty imagery on some women's perception of themselves. Dr Susie Orbach (Psychotherapist, London School of Economics and author of Fat is a Feminist Issue) has discovered that spending just three minutes looking at fashion magazines lowers the self-esteem of 80% of women.

At Dove, we believe that it is time to help women – and young girls in particular – embrace their beauty and their potential by developing a more inclusive definition of beauty.