[Interview] How Women Can Feel Beautiful in their Skin (feat. Amira Adawe)

Our physical appearance has become increasingly central to our identity. In some ethnic communities, skin color plays a major role in determining a woman’s sense of worthiness.

The trauma caused by colorism — a prejudice that favors people with lighter skin over those with darker skin within a racial group causes serious mental and emotional effects on members affected by it. 

My guest today, Amira Adawe, has been on a crusade to remove these biases and boost the self-esteem of those who have internalized the discrimination. Amira, a public health researcher and educator founded The Beautywell Project, a non-profit organization that aims to end skin-lightening practices and encourage women to embrace their ethnic identity.

Amira talks about various facets of colorism including the psychological impact, and her advocacy to change the narrative of beauty to make it more inclusive. She also offers advice on how girls and women can accept this natural beauty and love the skin they’re in.