We have visited mainstream and special schools working using a variety of artistic forms (drama, music, film, creative writing and art) to explore these themes.  Disabled and able-bodied practitioners delivered these workshops.

What has emerged from out work is that many young girls are concerned with their appearance and making a “good impression” on the boys.  Many of them have weight issues and a few admitted to struggling with anorexia.  One thirteen-year-old girl had been anorexic since she was nine.

Young girls are bombarded by images of how to look and are under constant pressure to keep up appearances.  Let’s not buy into it.  One young man from a special school shouted out “don’t judge a book by a cover”.  We’ve heard it before but that doesn’t make it any less valid.  We are not clones, individuality is a beautiful thing, so let’s celebrate and embrace the beauty of us all.

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