Eden High recently held a special girls only movie afternoon which aimed to challenge the way women think about their bodies.
Over 200 students from Years 8 to 11 were joined by female staff and mothers for a viewing of the documentary Embrace, a film that celebrates diversity and preaches self-acceptance..
Throughout the movie Embrace, body image activist Taryn Brumfitt looks at statistics relating to body image and discusses the fact that 50 per cent of 5-to-12 year-olds want to lose weight.
The screening at the school was a huge success with teacher Kate Mamone saying that many of the girls and staff became emotional throughout the screening as they were taken back with the ladies’ stories and experiences.
“This event was an excellent opportunity to come together and learn about body image, be empowered to love the body you have and listen to others who have had challenges throughout their lives,” Ms Mamone said. “I think everyone was able to relate to it, many students are still talking about it a week later and want to buy the DVD for their mums for Christmas.”
The EMHS welfare team and executive staff said the inspirational movie was a vital resource to assist girls in becoming resilient, self-respected and responsible young women.
"I think every female should watch this at least once a year to remind themselves not to get caught up in the media’s photo-shopped version of ‘perfect’ and to stop putting so much pressure on themselves. We can all name 10 things we hate about our bodies and struggle to list two things we love," Ms Mamone said.
Relieving principal Leesa Wungluck spoke to the students at the end of the screening to reinforce the importance of creating a positive and embracing school community. She emphasised the need to build people up and be kind as “it is the small things in someone’s day that can make a difference”.
The school’s girls advisor Rhonda Douglas said what was great about the documentary was that it addressed a lot of self-image issues that all girls and women face.
“Bringing this positive message to teenagers allows them to embrace themselves as they are," she said.
Year 11 students said the film made them feel like they were all connected because they all shared the same experiences.
Kiah Miller said it made her feel empowered as a woman and Steph Wallace said “it was confronting, but in a good way".
