The issue of women’s body image in China has become increasingly complex under the multiple influences of Chinese culture and global social media. As someone who focuses on challenging and changing this issue, I recognise that research alone is not enough. To truly drive change, I need to be present as an activist and work from multiple angles. Below are strategies and future plans for how I should deepen my practice as an activist in the project “The box”.
Activist: not only a challenger of problems, but also a creator of solutions
The role of an activist is not just to stand against a problem and challenge it. More importantly, an activist should be a creator and practitioner of solutions. This requires me to not only understand the problem, but also to be able to come up with workable and impactful solutions and be brave enough to put them into practice. In the process, I have challenged myself by participating in WBNR to gain a deeper understanding of the changes that physical freedom and acceptance can bring. At the same time, I’ve worked hard to step out of my comfort zone and begin to focus on and use social media as one of my most powerful tools.
Deeper Understanding and Defining the Problem
My first step was to conduct research, which included not only literature review, but in-depth interviews. These methods allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how women are affected by various aspects of society culture and social media. The in-depth interviews involved not only women in China’s Z Generation, but also men who have been joined by people who already have different identities.
Based on the research, I am continuously exploring and clarifying the core issues and specific objectives to be addressed. This will not only help me in my subsequent strategy planning, but also help me as an activist to define the “battlefield”.
Strategy Planning and Implementation
As an activist, I understand that it is often difficult to solve complex social problems with a single approach. Therefore, my strategies need to be multiple but precise. There may be more ways to use social media in the future. Currently, I have created a dedicated platform on TheRed Book and regularly post content about body positivity. Not only does social media allow me to interact directly with my target audience, but it also expands the reach of the project.
Expanding collaborative networks: a convergence of forces
Activists can’t do it alone. To drive real social change, I need to find partners and allies.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
I have initiated collaborations with psychologists, sociologists, and fashion designers. Their expertise and perspectives not only enriched my projects, but also enabled me to address issues more holistically.
Project Evaluation and Adjustment: Continuous Iteration
No change happens overnight. As an activist, I need to continuously evaluate and adjust my strategies.
Data Analysis
I utilise a variety of tools and methods for data analysis to ensure that every action is delivering the desired results.
Strategy Adjustment
Data and feedback are the basis for my strategy adjustments. With this information, I am able to flexibly adjust my programme to ensure that it continues to be effective in driving social change.
Ensuring the long-term impact of the programme
Integration with future brands
I plan to integrate the programme with my future lingerie brand to communicate a more positive body image through the product and brand.
Continuing to push
The project may be over, but there is no end to pushing the issues. I will continue to follow the issues and find new ways and platforms to promote them.
Constant Battle and Endless Hope
In this project, I played multiple roles as an activist: researcher, strategist, collaborator and implementer. Each of these roles has been undertaken with a common goal in mind – to promote a more positive and holistic understanding of women’s body image in society. It’s an ongoing battle, but each small improvement gives me endless hope.
Reflecting on what I’ve accomplished so far, at this stage I can’t become a true activist anytime soon, that’s where I’m aiming. But at this stage, I can deeply appreciate the change in myself, a change from a closed world to an infinite universe.