A young girl, aged 5, whose basic needs are met, experiences an  uninhibited sense of self. Confidence and curiosity permeate her  orientation to the world and her place in it. Her body is not a burden  and her mind and spirit are united. Unfortunately, that confidence,  positive body image, and positive sense of self can diminish as she  grows up.

What are the factors that cause this perception of self to change  over time? What images, words, laws, social norms, and experiences  present barriers to maintaining a healthy sense of self? In this week’s  Discussion, you explore connections between self-concept and health and  well-being and how these connections reflect an awareness of and/or a  need for social change.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Consider all that you have read of Ensler and Dove for social change themes related to women’s health and well-being.
• Review the V-Day website in this week’s Learning Resources.  Consider its mission, the four core beliefs, and its long-term mission,  particularly with regard to women’s health and well-being.
• What connections are possible between Ensler’s V-day (women’s  empowerment day) and the idea of the next generation depicted in Dove’s  poem?
• How do body awareness and self-concept relate to social change?
• What progress has been made across generations with regard to women’s health and well-being?

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 3 a 2- to 3-paragraph analysis of how  Ensler’s and Dove’s ideas provide insights into social change themes  related to women’s health and well-being experience.