A beautiful South Sudanese model named Nyakim Gatwech has had some problems because her skin is very dark. Gatwech has become a strong and passionate supporter of self-love, even though she has been bullied and discriminated against. She refuses to let social pressures define her beauty.
Gatwech started her journey in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya, where she felt alone and left out. People teased her and said mean things about her, even after she moved to the United States. Some even called her skin “dirty.” Gatwech decided not to let these bad experiences change how she saw herself, though.
Gatwech is determined to love herself no matter what other people think, as shown by her answer to the Uber driver who told her she should lighten her skin. She smiled and said, “I’d rather take the hard road.” Many people love her because she is brave and honest, and her message of self-love continues to inspire young black women all over the world.
Gatwech tells young women going through similar things, “You are beautiful, you are unique, and there are people who love you just the way you are.” The story of her life shows how self-love and acceptance can change things.