Mapaseka helps others to deal with low self-esteem
“The campaign seeks to inform, educate, and change the stigma surrounding different skin shades including those living with skin conditions,” says Mapaseka.
KwaThema – Having started her campaign Azanian Crown of Beauty in 2018 after years of being uncomfortable in her own skin, Mapaseka Tembe (20) wants to help other in similar situations to use her previous experiences to empower the youth.
“My high school years were the most difficult. I had a low self-esteem and I was battling with depression because of my skin colour,” says Tembe.
Also read: A place for women to talk about depression
Mapaseka says her life changed when she was asked to model for the KwaThema Fashion Week which eventually led to her becoming the face of the event.
Her campaign has been receiving positive feedback and support from the community and social media.
The campaign focuses on empowering and uplifting the community through offering educational talks and using art as a form of expression.
“The campaign seeks to inform, educate and change the stigma surrounding different skin shades, including those living with skin conditions,” says Mapaseka.
Also read: A place for women to talk about depression
The campaign gives platform to all genders, says Mapaseka. “Boys also experience self-esteem problems and skin-related issues but mostly internalise these problems because they do not have a platform, and also suffer from masculine stereotype syndrome that men do not suffer from such issues.”
