Moruya campaign builds strong girls and women, now and for future

When Kimberli Eke started teaching health classes as part of the physical education program at Moruya High School in 2006, she noticed that she enjoyed teaching the self-esteem components of the curriculum and that the kids were keen, because the issues were relatable.

“But two or three lessons weren’t enough – self-esteem and confidence affect your whole life,” Kimberli says.

Her years of experience teaching led her, in 2016, to create The Girl Campaign, where she runs workshops, sometimes out of her bell tent and sometimes in front of school audiences of 500 students.

Working full time and fitting in time for her own family has been a challenge but Kimberli was determined to make time to make a difference, squeezing workshops on self- care, self-esteem and the power of friendship into the school holidays.

Aiming to make her workshops “educational and fun,” Kimberli keeps up to date on current research and trends but says that the key messages haven’t changed much over the past few years.

“This is true for everybody, not just girls and women, but taking time for ourselves is just so important and understanding that it’s not being selfish, it’s a necessity to put yourself first.”

Attending Moruya High School in the 90’s, Kimberli watched her best friend live with an eating disorder and her mum struggle with her own body image whilst trying to raise her three daughters with positive attitudes towards their own bodies.

“Unfortunately, I think even the most confident women can benefit from the message that they need to support themselves. Self-care means doing things because they make us feel good, not just thrashing ourselves at the gym to look a certain way.”

Kimberli tailors her workshops to age groups between 6 and 16 but says her most popular group is year five and six girls.

“At that age, we talk a lot about friendships, that we don’t have to get along with everybody but we do need to respect each other and agree to disagree. We also talk about being assertive when you need to be.”

Analyzing media messages and trying to bring some perspective are also a focus for Kimberli.

“We look at whatever is age-appropriate – toys, books, shows, social media feeds. Especially with social media, just understanding that what we are looking at is a highlight reel can be helpful.”

With older groups, sexual health in romantic and sexual relationships are part of the discussion but are seen in the context of self-care and self-respect, says Kimberli.

For the time bring, The Girl Campaign has to fit in around her job, family, and life but in the future?

“Watch this space,” Kimberli laughs “I had envisioned The Girl Campaign to be just around Moruya but it’s become much bigger than that. In the future, I’d love to have a big pink van similar to the Life Education van that I can ravel NSW in. But no matter what, I’ll always be a part of positive messaging for girls.”

For more on The Girl Campaign, visit their Facebook, Instagram or website.