What would you tell your younger self?
That's the question YouTube is asking women around the world for its #DearMe initiative, a new project with the goal of empowering young women who are struggling with self-doubt and pressure.
Launched in honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, YouTube is encouraging people to upload a video letter to the site, addressing their younger selves and the issues they faced growing up.
“YouTube is a place where people can come together, share interests, relate experiences and offer each other support,” YouTube marketing manager Cathy Tang said in a blog post Tuesday. "From #ItGetsBetter to #ProudtoPlay, we've seen our community inspire and empower those in need of encouragement. Today, we're asking you to do the same for girls who don't have to face their problems alone."
Among the women from around the world who've posted advice videos to YouTube are actress Felicia Day, New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray, Hong Kong socialite Gigi Chao (a lesbian who made headlines in 2012 when her billionaire father offered $65 million to the man who could win her heart), and msnbc host Abby Huntsman.
"Every one of us has our own insecurities, even the people you least expect," Huntsman said about her #DearMe video. "It's up to us to help this next generation who is beaten down by bullying not to just accept who they are, but also to love who they are."