Dove and SI Push Back Against Female Athletes’ Body Image Stereotypes

Featured Focus:
Partnerships for Good, Innovation, Access / Inclusion / Equality

Scope of Impact: National

"Sports Re-Illustrated" is a collaboration between Dove and Sports Illustrated that highlights 10 young athletes who are breaking stereotypes and redefining girls' participation in sports. The project addresses the issue that nearly half of girls who drop out of sports are told they have the wrong body type.

Among the featured athletes is Honor Smoke, a 10-year-old wrestler from the Tonawanda Reservation in New York, who overcame gender barriers to become a state champion. Another inspiring figure is Noelani Spicer, a 12-year-old para-athlete from Texas with Spina Bifida, who has set multiple national records in track and field events from her wheelchair.

Through these stories, Sports Re-Illustrated challenges conventional beauty and athletic standards, encouraging confidence and inclusivity in sports. The initiative aligns with Dove’s mission to promote body positivity, empowering young girls to stay in the game regardless of their appearance or physical challenges.

See the original story here.

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This is easily one of our favorite initiatives. Dove identified a problem — young girls dropping out of sports because of their body image — and devised a plan to raise awareness about it, change the discussion around this topic, and show all of us how to build up young girls’ sense of confidence. We love that they partnered with Sports Illustrated, a magazine that has not been the most inclusive with their famous Swimsuit Issue, to take this to the next level. It’s a blueprint for everyone to support girls in sports.