22/8/01
Women's Interests and Youth Minister Sheila McHale today encouraged young women to be active to maximise their health and mental wellbeing instead of striving for an unrealistic body image.
In launching a new publication Female Young and Active, Ms McHale told more than 1,000 girls from 74 schools that the qualities they possessed as individuals were more important than body image.
"Body image is at the forefront of the media agenda but liking yourself for who you are is more important," Ms McHale said.
She said recent research showed that comparing oneself to models was depressing and contributed to low self-esteem.
"Female Young and Active provides an excellent starting point for young women on issues and concerns about body image, health and wellbeing, managing stress and coping with difficult situations - without needing to use drugs or alcohol," Ms McHale said.
The publication was written by young women, for young women. It is a joint initiative by Womensport West and the Department for Community Development, Women's Policy and Healthway.
A key message underpinning the information in 'Female Young and Active' was the value of being physically active - a simple strategy to enhance the quality of life in a way that no drug or cosmetic could match.
The launch took place at the annual Smarter than Smoking Schoolgirls Breakfast. This is an event run by Womensport West, a not-for-profit organisation, aimed at encouraging young women to stay physically active and promoting the achievements of WA sportswomen.
The model of the WA Schoolgirls Breakfast has been copied by other States, and this year's attendance of some 1,200 schoolgirls and athletes means that it remains the largest in Australia.
Ten thousand copies of the publication will be distributed to schools, local libraries and youth groups. To obtain copies, contact the Women' s Information Service on (08) 9264 1900 or 1800 199 174 for country callers, or contact Womensport West on (08) 9387 3633.
Media contact: Priscilla Fouracres on 9213 6900
