Help teens navigate new challenges of social media and instill self confidence

Nurqamielyah (right), 14, admiring herself in the mirror after her made-up session by beauty consultant, Lyne Ong. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
Girls at the event getting made over. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
Ummu Kalthum (centre), 12, getting a makeover. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

SINGAPORE- Over 150 teenage girls got to have express makeovers and try their hand at coding and creating their own tote bags on Saturday (April 1) at the inaugural 'Just The Girls!' event hosted by the Singapore Muslim Women's Association (PPIS).

The half-day event at SCAPE was targeted at girls aged 14 to 19, and organised to the theme of 'Everyday Girls, Extraordinary Possibilities' in a bid to help teenage girls build self-confidence in themselves and in navigating the world of social media.

The PPIS is a non-profic organisation focused on community services that provides support and developmental programmes at centres islandwide for women and their families.

Guest of Honour for the event, Member of Parliament for Jurong Rahayu Mahzam said: "I think with girls, and even boys their age, the teenage years are the most challenging because they face peer pressure and are also trying to understand more about themselves.

"It's good to let them know that insecurities are normal and to help them make sense of it and give them support."

Madam Rahayu, who is heavily pregnant, added that youth also need help navigating the new challenges of their generation like social media and cyber bullying.

Besides hands-on activities, familiar personalities like Ms Farisha Ishak, singer-songwriter and winner of 2013 reality singing competition Final 1, also gave talks on their own journeys and struggles with self-confidence issues.

Said Ms Farisha: "I hope that I'll be able to relate to the girls by sharing my experiences with them. I want them to know that they're not alone in facing the challenges of growing up and chasing their dreams.

"As someone who is still chasing hers, I hope to inspire them to keep fighting for their dreams and to be unafraid of the obstacles that come their way."

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.