‘Januhairy’, a body positivity campaign that aims “for women to come together, encourage one another, and grow out their body hair for the month of January” has been launched by Exeter student Laura Jackson.
The project aims to raise money for Body Gossip, a charity that campaigns through its film and theatre program, and “combines Arts and Education to empower everybody to be the best version of themselves and rock their own brand of gorgeous.”
Jackson’s campaign is growing and has gained participants from around the world including Spain, Germany, Russia, the USA and Canada.
“This project is about showing that we have a choice… we should not feel judged for whatever choice we choose to make.”
– Laura Jackson
The project has gained much attention in the media, including from the BBC, the Guardian, and Good Morning Britain. However, it has also received many negative responses, particularly on the ‘Januhairy’ Facebook page.
Speaking to Exeposé, Laura Jackson offered her response to this criticism: “I think that there is a lot of love and support for the project, but there is also a lot of hate and disgust with it… Of course a campaign this big is going to get this reaction; however, it’s important that we see these comments because it reminds us why we are doing this campaign and what opinions we are trying to change. These people don’t understand this yet, and that’s okay… that’s what the campaign is for. At least we are all talking about it!”
Jackson continued to discuss the aims of the campaign, which, she explained, “is about showing that we have a choice… we should not feel judged for whatever choice we choose to make… to shave or not to shave… that is the question!”
