As the world prepares for the Rio Olympic Games, the Always #LikeAGirl campaign is trying to boost the confidence of both girls who are in the midst of puberty and those who have just gone through it to try to keep them playing sport.
The most recent Always Confidence and Puberty Survey shows that about two-thirds of girls globally have been told at one point that they do not belong in sports, and 51 percent of girls quit sports after experiencing puberty.
To shed light on this issue, feminine product company, Always, paired with filmmaker Nanette Burstein to find out how girls felt about playing sport. The resulting video can be found online under the title Always #LikeAGirl – Keep Playing.
Some of the influential women rallying behind the campaign are sports presenters Kass Naidoo, Lebo Motsoeli and Motshidisi Mohono, as well as South African hockey player Sanani Mangisa and sports psychologist Dr Kirsten van Heerden. “As someone who’s been involved in the sports industry for a long time, I was part of the SA swimming team and know first-hand some of the challenges of being a female athlete,” said Van Heerden.
“I know how important sports participation can be in helping girls build the confidence and skills that will serve them throughout life. It is my hope that [the Always #LikeAGirl video] will spark a conversation and inspire girls to keep playing sport.”
Mohono also spoke about the confidence girls can feel when they play sport. “Confidence is a girl’s best friend, because when you have it, you feel like you can conquer the world,” she said.
“I, too, was that girl once dealing with the insecurities that came with puberty and watching my confidence in myself and my abilities diminish. At times I still struggle with some of those insecurities.”
Always is encouraging everyone to pledge their support to the #LikeAGirl campaign by uploading a picture or video or tweeting using #LikeAGirl.
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