Lifestyle, the female hygiene brand behind South Africa’s number 1 pantyliner, introduced the Carry Yourself with Confidence campaign last year, to educate and empower young women between the ages of 11 and 16 years from 500 disadvantaged schools, nationwide. Now in its second year, the campaign has proved an even bigger success as the programme ran across 6 regions and is estimated to have reached over 72 000 girls.
On Friday 28th September, the campaign culminated in a beautiful day at Carmelas Tea Garden in Fairmount, Johannesburg. The girls chosen to attend the event had entered an essay competition, where the theme put to them was ‘What confidence means to me’. The responses from these incredible young South African women were truly amazing, and one really got a sense of the challenges they face today – from body changes, to relationship and social pressures.
The day was filled with touching personal stories, guest speakers, and motivational talks and of course, the guests were treated to a delicious lunch and entertainment. Lifestyle’s Brand Ambassador Bonang Matheba and Miss South Africa 2012,
, attended the lunch and joined the girls in listening to psychologist Debbie Bright talk about confidence, while gynaecologist De Lalloo engaged the girls with her talk on the importance of good personal hygiene.
To close the day, local music artist Slikour hit the stage, and after a bit of dancing, each learner received a goodie bag by which to remember the event.
Says Refilwe Mkwana, 14 year old learner from Tlhalogang Junior Secondary School, who was one of the girls picked for her insightful essay to attend the event, “It was really exciting, and encouraging for my future. They made me realise how important it is to see a bright future ahead. I give Lifestyle a thumbs up”.
“I loved being involved in the Carry Yourself with Confidence campaign with Lifestyle for my second year in a row, especially as it celebrates young women, which I got to see firsthand. I am thrilled to be part of this initiative again, and hope we made an even bigger impact in its second year,” remarked Matheba.
“Many young women do not have the guidance and advice that they need to be able to work through life changes,” comments Sampa Diseko, Brand Manager for Lifestyle. “The Carry Yourself with Confidence campaign focused on engaging with young girls between the ages of 11 and 16 at both Primary and High Schools, to provide them with essential life skills needed to deal with the realities of puberty and adulthood.”
According to Diseko, the campaign focused on puberty and the changes that occur in a young female’s body, as well as how through it all hygiene and self-love, esteem and confidence are important. “The point is to let girls to celebrate their differences and to acknowledge their strengths so as to build positive self-esteem,” says Diseko.
“We wanted to make a difference, even if it is one conversation at a time. Change and self-empowerment can be driven through engagement and conversation. Our trained staff who drove the programme were able to relate to the issues, circumstances and challenges of these young girls because context is key when speaking about such matters,” remarks Diseko.
For further information on the brand please visit www.lifestylesa.co.za or follow Lifestyle SA on Twitter @Lifestyle_SA (Twitter.com/Lifestyle_SA) and Facebook (Facebook.com/lifestylesa)
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