Author(s)

Hailey RyanFollow

Major

Psychology

Second Major

Communication Studies

Advisor

Dean, Kristie

Date

12-2021

Keywords

workshop; activities; self-esteem; girls

Abstract

The ages of 10-13 are pivotal in the development of self esteem for girls. This is the beginning of the understanding of societal pressures, values and expectations that are placed on women and girls. Girls start to focus on their appearance, avoid activities where they may “fail” and place significant value on their social status. This project strives to counter these ideals and prove to girls that they are wildly capable and innately worthy through weekly workshops provided by The Soul Project. The Soul project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women and girls recognize their innate value and worth. The Soulful Girls workshops focus on a specific area to help girls ages 10-13 grow and understand their worth. With workshops focusing on everything from mental health to money habits, girls get a variety of topics and women to learn from each week. Observations and interactions at previous workshops showed that the societal expectations were already pressuring the girls in attendance. Many were hesitant to participate in the discussions, if they did choose to participate it was clearly a frightening experience for them. Thus, the need for “Updating Soulful Girls”. This project has made the implementation of therapeutic activities at the beginning of each session possible. The activities aim to get the attendees expressive, comfortable and willing to participate while simultaneously allowing them to fail comfortably in a space with no judgement. In completing these activities they are able to gain a faster feeling of security. In feeling safe in the environment they are provided with the highest likelihood to walk away with the knowledge that they are empowered, capable, and worthy.

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