I spoke to Amy Beecham, Editor-in-Chief of All Woman Project’s editorial.

What is the All Woman Project? What is the overarching message behind it?

I think the most important thing to remember about AWP is that, as much as it is an online campaign and there are brand endorsements and photoshoots and features in Vogue, it is actually a 501-c-(3) non-profit. So, we’re a charity, and the work we do is for change, not profit and publicity. A large part of our work involves our local groups, where we go into schools and help teach young women how to shift the way they think about themselves and their bodies in accordance to what they see in the media. It’s about supporting people, online and IRL, in breaking free from societal pressures and preconceptions surround body type to inspire them to be and express their authentic self, with all that includes.

What kind of content can we expect to see from The All Woman Project blog?

When we first began discussing the idea of the blog, my bottom line was that I wanted it not only to feel safe and inclusive, but familiar and homely. You know, this isn’t highbrow or exclusive and it’s not supposed to be, which is the main reason why we made it a blog rather than a print publication, for that accessibility. My editorial strategy is going to be much more relaxed in comparison to previous positions I’ve held. It isn’t about having polished content, but real, engaging stories. We want the young girls who have never written anything before but have something to say, we want the women who have been toying with the idea of sharing their art but have never quite plucked up the courage. It’s going to be real, and hearty, and wonderful.

Do you think the body positivity movement has been successful in pushing the fashion industry to move forward and be more representative of ‘real’ bodies? Can it be pushed further? If so, how?

Wider acceptance, for anyone or anything, is always progress. However, as a women that is considered the societal standard of “thin”, I don’t feel it’s my place to speak as an authority on this issue, you know? It would be irresponsible for me to sit here and say, “yeah it’s all coming good”, when I’ve never been subjected to stares, or insensitive comments, or given “health advice” by a stranger.

People might ask why, then, am I the Editor-in-Chief of a publication from an organisation that is so deeply involved with the body positivity movement? And they are completely entitled to ask. I would just say that this is something I truly care about. However, just like my passion for LGBTQ* rights, my interest and passion are a choice, not a necessity. I recognise that these movements are not for me, and yet can still be an ally and a champion of them and the work they do. I am not the star of AWP – I’m here to correct the grammar and swap the syntax and act as a support to the people whose voices do need to be amplified, far above my own. Our organisation is here for anyone who feels the pressures of the warped perception of body image in the media, thin-passing people included. But as someone in a position of power amongst it all, I must be very aware of my privilege in the situation – to benefit from what we do without feeling the complete oppression of the alternative.

What advice would you give to young women growing up in the today’s society?

I could spit motivational Pinterest quotes for hours, but I’ll leave you with just my favourite: do your thing and don’t care if they don’t like it.