International Women's Day is on March 8 this year and in recognition YouTube has started the #DearMe campaign, which asks women to upload their video suggesting advice they would give to their younger self.
"In celebration of International Women's Day, take part in YouTube's global #DearMe initiative to inspire and empower young girls everywhere. We all know that growing up is tough. But if you could go back in time, what wisdom would you share with your teenage self? It all starts with two words. Dear Me," per YouTube.
The #DearMe campaign was revealed March 3 when Cathy Tang, marketing manager for YouTube, blogged about the campaign. The video site also launched a Tumblr page at youtubedearme.com to let users post GIFs around the campaign.
The campaign aims at easing the worries of teenage girls struggling with various issues in their life. Tang revealed the #DearMe campaign has its roots in the #ItGetsBetter project, which inspired young people who were facing harassment.
The #DearMe campaign seems to have attracted many women who have written to their younger self giving some vital advice.
Chirlane McCray, the first lady of New York City, is on board with the campaign and made a #DearMe video. She advises her younger self to learn Spanish, talk to older people and do things that are creative.
Many women across the world have been encouraged to become a part of the #DearMe campaign and posted their video on YouTube. Issa Rae, an American writer and actress, also has posted a video where she advises her young self to stop trying too hard.
Also posting #DearMe videos on YouTube are Asha Khatau, a well-known Indian chef who said her career would have been easier if she had listened to her mother's advice to observe in the kitchen while growing up, and Shammi Gupta, the founder of a yoga school in Mumbai, India. Beauty vlogger Emmy Vargas contributes a heartfelt message to her former self to "dust the chip off of your shoulder and let go of your anger."
You can check out some #DearMe videos on YouTube and see what women have to say to their younger selves. International Women's Day has been celebrated since the early 1900s, moving from early campaigns for the right to vote, work and hold public office to more recent events that honour and celebrate the achievements of women.
Check out this short video compilation of some women giving tips to their younger self.
