Every year, Dove Day brings Unilever volunteers into schools around the world to deliver body confidence workshops as part of the Dove Self-Esteem Project.
We spoke to Emma Guerrero, Assistant Brand Manager and Industrial Placement student, and Libby Shiel, Marketing Manager, about what happens during a Dove Day workshop, what they took from the experience, and why these conversations matter.
- What was your role in Dove Day this year?
Emma: I helped organise this year's Dove Day activity in the UK. There's a huge amount of planning behind the scenes – from driving internal recruitment, to coordinating volunteer communications and training, and supporting the delivery of the workshops themselves.
Libby: After spending months helping to organise the activity with the team, I was excited to take part in a workshop myself. This year, in the UK, we delivered workshops to more than 3000 students in more than 30 schools across four regions.
- Can you explain what actually happens during a Dove Day workshop? How does it work?
Emma: Before going into schools, every volunteer completes training, so they feel well prepared to lead a safe and supportive conversation. We work closely with each school to understand its requirements.
Libby: The workshops combine interactive activities with open discussion about things like appearance pressures, social media and self-esteem. Students explore real-life scenarios, share their perspectives and reflect on the messages they encounter every day. It's a conversation rather than a presentation, with students' own experiences helping shape the discussion.
- Why do these conversations matter?
Libby: Dove has championed Real Beauty since 2004, but the pressures young people face are constantly changing. Young people today are growing up surrounded by more influences, opinions and appearance pressures than ever before, particularly through digital and social media. Helping them build the confidence to question what they see, rather than feel defined by it.
Emma: Recent Dove research found that 55% of girls globally don’t feel good about the way they look, while 63% of boys have avoided taking part in public activities because of concerns about their appearance.[a] That’s why creating space for young people to talk openly about these topics is so important. Dove Day workshops give them practical ways to question appearance pressures and recognise the qualities that make them unique.
- What did you enjoy most about the day?
Emma: The most rewarding part for me was delivering a workshop myself and hearing directly from the students. Seeing them engage in discussions and grow in confidence was a great reminder of how important these conversations are for future generations.
Libby: What struck me most was how engaged the whole classroom was. Everyone was keen to contribute, listen to one another and build on each other's ideas. We had some really thoughtful discussions. It was also amazing to think how many conversations were happening in classrooms and communities on the same day! The workshop I led in Surbiton was just one of many taking place across the UK and beyond.
- Finally, putting Dove Day aside, we’d love to know: Which Dove product is your personal favourite?
Emma: That's a difficult question! The Dove Original Beauty Cream Bar is such a familiar and nostalgic scent for me, and I love how moisturised my skin feels after using it. It’s easy to understand why it’s such a classic...it first launched in 1957!
Libby: I'm currently obsessed with the Dove body + mind Coconut and Jojoba shower mousse. The coconut fragrance and rich mousse texture brings full spa vibes to my shower routine!
Frequently asked questions
What is Dove Day?
Dove Day is an annual global volunteering initiative that brings the Dove Self-Esteem Project’s body confidence education into schools and communities worldwide. Trained Unilever volunteers lead interactive workshops that help young people understand appearance pressures and self-esteem, while recognising qualities beyond appearance, including kindness, creativity, resilience and individuality.
What is low body confidence and why does it matter?
Low body confidence is when young people’s negative feelings about their appearance affect their willingness to participate in everyday activities. It’s not just about how they see themselves - it’s about what they miss out on because of those feelings, from skipping school events to avoiding social situations altogether. For Dove body confidence is embracing inclusive beauty ideals and respecting, caring for and accepting our bodies.
How many UK schools participate in Dove Day?
In 2026, Dove Day reached over 30 UK schools across four regions, engaging over 3000 students through volunteer-led body confidence workshops. The programme continues to expand each year as more schools recognise the value of creating dedicated space for these conversations.
What is the Dove Self-Esteem Project?
The Dove Self-Esteem Project is the world's largest provider of body confidence education, providing academically-validated resources for parents, educators, and mentors, empowering young people to build body confidence and self-esteem. Over the past 20 years, the programme has reached more than 160 million young people across 150+ countries. The Dove Self-Esteem Project provides free downloadable resources, lesson plans, and ongoing support for teachers who want to integrate body confidence education into their curriculum. Schools can access these materials year-round, with Dove Day serving as an annual moment to bring the programme to life through volunteer-led workshops.