Competition can be a powerful driver of success. When no one challenges you, you risk staying stagnant. It makes sense to compete for a promotion at work or to achieve personal milestones. But for many women, the competition goes beyond career goals and enters areas where it doesn’t belong—like how we look.
That’s why I started my #GirlLove campaign. I wanted to create a movement where women lift each other up rather than tear each other down. The idea is simple: instead of competing with other women, take the time to compliment them—especially those in your own field, to break the cycle of unnecessary rivalry.
When I first launched the campaign, I reached out to women I admire, like Mindy Kaling, to show that I could support and celebrate other women in my industry. It was incredible to see other influential women like Shay Mitchell and Hannah Hart join in, spreading positivity and encouraging others to do the same. The #GirlLove movement became a powerful reminder of what’s possible when women build each other up, not tear each other down.
But #GirlLove isn’t just about sending tweets or posting on social media. It’s a mindset shift—an ongoing practice of recognizing those moments when you feel the pressure to compete with another woman and choosing instead to support her. I remember a time when I caught myself giving a cold shoulder to a beautiful woman simply because I felt insecure about my own appearance. I was unaware of my behavior until someone pointed it out to me, and I was honestly embarrassed. But in that moment, I realized what I was doing and made a conscious effort to be more kind and welcoming, because there was no reason for that insecurity to dictate how I treated her.
It’s up to all of us to foster an environment where women build each other up, not tear each other down. It’s normal to experience moments of insecurity, but we have the power to change how we react to those feelings. Please take a moment to reflect on your thoughts, understand where they come from, and counteract negativity by sharing some #GirlLove. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where women support and uplift one another.
—Lilly Singh, creator of the YouTube channel IISuperwomanII and the documentary A Trip to Unicorn Island.
The Problem with Women Competing Over Looks
From the moment we’re born, women are taught to compete with each other. It’s not just about professional accomplishments; it’s about how we look, how we present ourselves, and how we measure up to unrealistic standards set by society and the media. This unspoken competition can often lead to feelings of insecurity, jealousy, and even resentment toward other women.
Lilly Singh has seen this firsthand, not just in the entertainment industry but also in everyday life. “So many women take it a step further and won’t even support other women. They end up competing over things that don’t make sense—like how we look,” she shares.
This competition, fueled by comparison, creates unnecessary tension and ultimately prevents women from forging meaningful, supportive relationships. But Lilly has a solution: compliments.
The Birth of #GirlLove
Lilly’s #GirlLove campaign was born out of the idea that women should support one another rather than view each other as rivals. The hashtag quickly became a movement, with women from all walks of life joining in to share compliments, encouragement, and solidarity.
The campaign encourages women to take a moment to compliment another woman—ideally one in their same field—to fight the sense of competition that often arises. Whether it’s a colleague, a fellow content creator, or someone you admire, a simple compliment can go a long way in making another woman feel seen and appreciated.
“When I first started the campaign, I tweeted at women like Mindy Kaling and other entertainers to show that I could be supportive of women I admire,” Lilly recalls. “I was amazed at how quickly other influential women, like Shay Mitchell and Hannah Hart, jumped on board. It was incredible to see women publicly sending each other compliments and building each other up.”
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It’s About More Than Social Media
While the #GirlLove campaign gained traction on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, Lilly emphasizes that it’s not just about sending digital compliments. It’s about making a shift in how we view and treat other women in our daily lives.
“#GirlLove isn’t just a tweet. It’s about being proactive in recognizing moments where you feel unnecessary pressure to compete with another woman. You have to catch yourself in those moments and actively choose kindness instead,” Lilly explains.
For instance, she shares a personal experience when she caught herself giving a cold shoulder to another woman because of her own insecurity. “She was so gorgeous, and I felt intimidated,” Lilly admits. “I wasn’t even aware of how I was behaving until someone pointed it out to me, and I was embarrassed! But once I recognized what I was doing, I made a point to be more friendly and supportive because there was no reason to be cold.”
The Power of Self-Awareness
Lilly’s vulnerability in sharing this experience highlights an important truth: insecurity is natural, but how we respond to those feelings makes all the difference. It’s easy to fall into the trap of competing with other women over superficial things, but true growth happens when we focus on lifting each other up.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to build up other women rather than tear them down,” Lilly insists. “You have to be self-aware and proactive. It’s okay to have those negative thoughts, but you can change how you respond to them. Take a mental step back, understand where those feelings come from, and then combat them with positivity.”
Why Complimenting Other Women Matters
Lilly’s message is simple but powerful: complimenting other women isn’t just about being nice—it’s about changing the culture. When women support each other, it creates an environment where everyone can thrive. Compliments are small acts, but they can lead to big changes, from boosting someone’s confidence to creating a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect.
By choosing to compliment instead of compete, we’re sending a message that women don’t have to be each other’s competition. We can coexist, support one another, and succeed together.
“Being part of #GirlLove is about more than just spreading kindness,” Lilly says. “It’s about creating a ripple effect that changes how women interact with each other and how we view ourselves. It’s a shift in mindset that can break down barriers, erase insecurities, and foster real connections.”
Taking Action
The #GirlLove movement isn’t just a concept—it’s an invitation to take action. Whether through social media or in real-life interactions, Lilly encourages women everywhere to make it a point to compliment and support one another. Start with small gestures, like telling a colleague she did a great job on a presentation or commenting on a friend’s new outfit. Over time, these small acts can grow into a larger cultural shift that empowers women everywhere.
So next time you find yourself comparing or competing with another woman, take a step back. Reflect on why you’re feeling that way, and then choose to share some #GirlLove. It’s simple, but it has the potential to create a powerful change—one compliment at a time.
Lilly Singh’s message is clear: when women lift each other up, we all rise together. It’s time to make compliments a habit and make competition a thing of the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lilly Singh?
Lilly Singh is a Canadian YouTuber, actress, comedian, and author, best known for her YouTube channel IISuperwomanII. She gained popularity for her humorous skits, vlogs, and motivational content. Lilly has since expanded her career into television, writing, and advocacy.
What is Lilly Singh’s YouTube channel about?
Lilly’s YouTube channel, IISuperwomanII, is known for a mix of comedic sketches, parodies, and motivational videos. She often tackles topics such as family dynamics, cultural issues, personal growth, and mental health, all while bringing humor and authenticity to the table. Lilly’s relatable content has resonated with millions of viewers worldwide.
How did Lilly Singh become famous?
Lilly Singh rose to fame with her YouTube videos, which she started uploading in 2010. Her humorous skits, especially her Superwoman character (a fictionalized version of herself), quickly gained a following. She leveraged her viral success to expand into various forms of media, including acting, writing, and producing.
What is GirlLove and why did Lilly start it?
GirlLove is a campaign created by Lilly Singh to promote positivity and support among women. The initiative encourages women to compliment and uplift one another rather than compete. Lilly started the campaign to combat the often toxic culture of comparison among women, encouraging them to embrace solidarity over rivalry. The hashtag became a movement, with women worldwide sharing compliments and support.
Has Lilly Singh worked in television?
Yes, Lilly Singh transitioned from YouTube to mainstream television with her late-night talk show, A Little Late with Lilly Singh, which premiered on NBC in 2019. She made history as the first woman of color to host a late-night talk show on a major American network. Though the show ended in 2021, Lilly’s impact on television and her trailblazing role in the industry continues to inspire others.
What is Lilly Singh’s book?
Lilly Singh published her debut book, How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life, in 2017. The book is a motivational guide where Lilly shares her personal experiences, life lessons, and tips on achieving success, all while staying true to oneself. It became a New York Times bestseller and is praised for its humor, authenticity, and empowering message.
What is Lilly Singh’s documentary about?
Lilly’s documentary, A Trip to Unicorn Island, released on YouTube Red (now YouTube Premium) in 2016, takes viewers behind the scenes of her World Tour and offers a glimpse into her personal life, challenges, and growth. The documentary reflects her journey from a YouTube creator to a global star, and it captures her determination, vulnerability, and the ups and downs of pursuing a dream.
What is Lilly Singh’s cultural background?
Lilly Singh is of Indian descent, born to Sikh parents in Toronto, Canada. She often reflects on her multicultural background in her content, exploring topics like cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and family dynamics. Her videos and messages resonate with diverse audiences, particularly those from similar backgrounds.
Conclusion
Lilly Singh has cemented her place as a trailblazer in the entertainment and digital media worlds. From her humble beginnings as a YouTube content creator to becoming a globally recognized television host, author, and advocate, Lilly’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and kindness.
What sets Lilly apart is her unwavering commitment to making a difference. Through her #GirlLove campaign, she has challenged the culture of competition among women, encouraging a shift toward empowerment, solidarity, and support. Her work goes beyond just creating entertaining content; she is on a mission to create a world where women, people of color, and marginalized communities feel seen, heard, and valued.
