Real Girls: Shifting Perceptions on Identity, Relationships, and the Media

Research shows that girls struggle with identity development and low self-concept in record breaking numbers compared to boys. Girls in our society also engage in unhealthy relationships on average more than boys. According to the Dove Self-Esteem Fund (2008), seven in ten girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with their friends and family members. This means that over half of our young girls feel inadequate, unworthy, inferior, and hopeless. As a nation and community, we must begin to address this crisis and provide hope for girls of today, so that they can become women of tomorrow. Real Girls is a practical guide for anyone who works with young girls and has a passion to empower them to reach their fullest potential. It is our hope that after reading this book you will become a "true" change agent in the life of a young girl's journey through youth to womanhood. The information and resources in this book can be applied to various settings such as community organizations, church youth groups, mental health agencies, and schools. Parents interested in learning how to effectively and successfully communicate with their daughters are also recommend to read this book. This book includes an eight session outline, which is designed to assist middle and high school age girls to develop effective self-concept, media literacy, and communication skills, while also learning about healthy behaviors and positive relationships.