Youth movement 'Amio Sundor' challenges beauty norms, bullying and body-shaming

A new youth-led movement, "Amio Sundor!" ("I Am Beautiful Too!"), has been launched to challenge harmful beauty standards, confront bullying, and address youth mental health struggles in Bangladesh.

The campaign started today (8 August) at Kabi Shamsur Rahman seminar hall of Bangla Academy.

Inspired by "Ami Ki Sundor?" (Am I Beautiful?), a book by Sarah Diba — founder of Sarah's Quest, the initiative has been launched in collaboration with Pond's Bangladesh.

Organisers stressed that the campaign is not merely a book-related event but a long-term call to action for young people to reclaim self-worth and challenge rigid beauty ideals.

"'Amio Sundor!' is for everyone who's ever felt invisible or judged for something they never chose—like their appearance," said Sarah Diba.

The programme featured youth-led discussions on personal experiences with bullying, judgment, and insecurity, alongside open-mic storytelling, interactive quizzes, and campaign announcements targeting schools and online spaces.

Organisers said the movement aims to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering platform where young voices are heard and valued. They hope it will serve as a counter-narrative to societal pressures that erode self-esteem, promoting self-acceptance, resilience, and social change.

"The campaign is about more than looking different—it's about thinking differently," Diba said. "It invites the youth of Bangladesh to speak up against bullying and shame, embrace their unique identities, and redefine beauty on their own terms."