A global report launched by The Body Shop has identified a self-love* crisis for women around the world, with 1 in 2 women feeling more self-doubt than self-love, and 60 per cent wishing they had more respect for themselves.
The Body Shop Global Self Love Index is a first-of-its-kind study, launched alongside a global movement called the “Self Love Uprising” supported by British activist and actress Jameela Jamil.
Locally, the Self Love Uprising is supported by two Aussie leading lights; non-binary content creator, activist and stylist Deni Todorovic (pictured right), and Allira Potter (pictured left), a proud Aboriginal woman who has spent time connecting with self-love through her culture.
“As an activist brand, our mission is to fight for a fairer and more beautiful world. In order to create a positive change in the world, we must start with creating a positive change within," said The Body Shop Australia's marketing and corporate responsibility director, Shannon Chrisp.
"We call for people around the world to rise up with self-love, especially in a society that promotes self-doubt and insecurity. We are excited to embark on this journey to drive change individually, in the beauty industry and beyond.”
Whilst Australians rank slightly higher on the self-love scale than other countries, with a score of 62, over half (53%) of Aussies still wish they had more respect for themselves, with young, single Aussies more likely to have lower self-love.
Those under 35 were significantly more likely to be in the lowest 25% of the self-love scores, whilst single Aussies said they had less self-love than those in relationships.
“I see the lack of self-love as an emotional pandemic, and one which is sadly hitting younger generations the most," said Jameela Jamil. "Self-love is an inside job, so let’s all take just one positive action towards loving ourselves. As a woman, being proud of yourself and believing you are ‘enough’ as you are, is an act of social and political resistance.”
Worryingly, the study also found Australians from minority groups, including LGBTQ+, are more likely to have a low self-love score, whilst economic status also impacted self-love, with 45% of those who are unemployed and 46% of those who are not financially comfortable falling in the lowest 25% of scores.
The Body Shop Global Self Love Index:
Methodology of research:
This online study was conducted between November 22 and December 8, 2020, staggered across 21 countries. The survey was fielded for an average of 9 days in each country. The survey took about 16 minutes to complete. Certain demographic questions were not asked in some countries due to sensitivities around cultural norms. Respondents included adults age 18 and older. The final sample size was 22,619 with approximately 1,000 completed in each country.
Join Jameela Jamil and The Millennial Therapist, Sara Kuburic on Wednesday March 17 at 7am AEDT on The Body Shop Instagram (@thebodyshop) for a live chat on how to rise up with self-love.
On a local level, to inspire Australians to rise up with self-love, this autumn The Body Shop will launch the world’s first physical Museum of Self Love in Sydney, celebrating a collection of inspiring Australians’ unique self-love journeys. More details will be released soon.
*SELF-LOVE MEANING: Self-love is many things, but it starts with the recognition and appreciation of our inner worth and value.
