Cover The partnership between Nivea and Inspiring Girls Hong Kong demonstrates what's possible when organisations commit to addressing invisible struggles (Photo: Pixabay)
The partnership between Nivea and Inspiring Girls Hong Kong demonstrates what's possible when organisations commit to addressing invisible struggles (Photo: Pixabay)
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A study revealed 56 per cent of lonely young people find it difficult to ask for help. Nivea has jumped in to solve this through a partnership with Inspiring Girls Hong Kong
High-achieving girls in Hong Kong are supposed to be thriving. That’s the story we tell ourselves. But listen to the girls themselves and you’ll hear something different. They feel “lazy”. They’re drowning in academic pressure and dealing with bullies. And they’re doing it all quietly, behind closed doors.
And it’s the same elsewhere in the world. A recent study by Nivea Connect Compass, conducted in 13 countries, revealed that one in four young people aged 16-24 feel lonely. 56 per cent of those feeling lonely find it difficult to ask for help, trapped by stigma that deepens their isolation.
In Hong Kong’s intensely academic environment, this issue is particularly acute. As Ines Gafsi, chapter chair and CEO of Inspiring Girls Hong Kong, says: “The girls who are silently suffering and internalising their struggles are being missed” by those who are in a position to help them.
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Above Recent findings from the Nivea Connect Compass, a global study conducted across 13 countries, reveal that one in four young people aged 16-24 experience loneliness (Photo: courtesy of Nivea Connect)
Recent findings from the Nivea Connect Compass, a global study conducted across 13 countries, reveal that one in four young people aged 16-24 experience loneliness (Photo: courtesy of Nivea Connect)
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The challenge is that loneliness among teenage girls often looks nothing like what adults expect. There’s no acting out, no obvious red flags. Instead, it manifests as quiet withdrawal from grown-ups like teachers, social workers and parents.
Gafsi identifies several warning signs that parents and educators should watch for. The first is the trap of comparison—girls constantly measure themselves against peers and social media narratives, creating a hyper-competitive environment where they feel “less than”. The other warning sign is creating only one definition of success, so that self-worth becomes conditional on academic achievement alone, leading to burnout among students.
The most effective response is creating consistently open, non-judgmental environments where girls feel safe sharing their whole selves. The key is looking for shifts from a girl’s normal pattern, particularly distinguishing between being alone (which can be restful) and feeling lonely (which is distressing and a major predictor of poor mental health).
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The Nivea Connect and Inspiring Girls Hong Kong partnership
Above For every Nivea product sold at Mannings and Watsons, HK$1 will be donated to support programmes addressing youth loneliness. The partnership stems from Nivea’s global social mission, Nivea Connect, launched in September 2024 to combat social isolation (Photo: courtesy of Nivea Connect)
For every Nivea product sold at Mannings and Watsons, HK$1 will be donated to support programmes addressing youth loneliness. The partnership stems from Nivea’s global social mission, Nivea Connect, launched in September 2024 to combat social isolation (Photo: courtesy of Nivea Connect)
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In response to this gap, Nivea has partnered with Inspiring Girls Hong Kong through a fundraising campaign running in November. For every Nivea product sold at Mannings and Watsons, HK$1 will be donated to support programmes addressing youth loneliness.
“By creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued, we can help turn the tide and ensure that no one suffers in silence,” says Grita Loebsack, Nivea Global President.
The programme focuses on three core concepts. First, “You Know Yourself Best” helps girls explore their own passions independent of external pressure, reconnecting them with their internal compass.
Second, the “6th Perspective” provides role models as trusted voices outside their usual circles. These women share authentic stories of struggle and setbacks, showing that struggles are normal.
Third, “Future Possibilities” expands horizons beyond narrow definitions of success. Role models from diverse careers show that failure is temporary and that limitless paths exist. As Gafsi emphasises, “This is more than a skills workshop programme; it’s about providing a safe, authentic mirror and a new voice.”
Building a broader solution
Above The most important thing adults can do is create environments where asking for help is encouraged rather than feared (Photo: courtesy of Nivea Connect)
The most important thing adults can do is create environments where asking for help is encouraged rather than feared (Photo: courtesy of Nivea Connect)
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While the Nivea partnership provides crucial support, addressing youth loneliness requires systemic change. The research shows that 63 per cent of people who experience meaningful connections feel happier—connection is the antidote, but it needs to be genuine.
Inspiring Girls Hong Kong offers this connection around storytelling and community. The organisation trains female role models from diverse backgrounds to share their personal narratives, creating a sense of solidarity. Their workshops tackle real-world issues like self-esteem, gender stereotypes and social pressures, equipping girls with critical thinking skills.
For parents and educators, the message is clear: look beyond academic achievement. Are we fostering genuine human connections or inadvertently building systems where girls feel they must maintain perfect appearances?
The partnership between Nivea and Inspiring Girls Hong Kong shows what’s possible when organisations commit to addressing invisible struggles. As Gafsi says, “By sharing our stories and listening to theirs, we can empower girls to shift their identity from being defined by pressure to being defined by potential.” The challenge of youth loneliness is significant, but the solution is straightforward: meaningful human connection, authentic support, and creating spaces where girls feel safe being their whole selves.
Suchetana Mukhopadhyay is the Digital Content Manager for Tatler Hong Kong. In this role, she leads all digital editorial and branded content on Tatler Hong Kong’s website, from brainstorming story ideas with the writers to editing and publishing the articles, and from managing the overall content flow to driving search engine optimisation. She also leads the beauty content at Tatler Hong Kong and across the region, and is always looking to champion diversity through her articles. She was previously with Cedar Hong Kong and Gafencu, and freelanced for the South China Morning Post, Campaign Asia-Pacific, CNN and more. Contact her here.
