Some of the activities were educational, and others were just fun. (CBC)

About 50 P.E.I. girls gave up their holiday on Monday to attend a workshop to improve their self-image.

The workshop, designed for 10 to 14-year-olds, included both education and recreation. There were discussions about female body image in the media, arts and crafts, and a hip-hop dance fitness class.

The presenters of the workshop, the Women's Network of PEI, hope the event will improve the girls' self-esteem, and be a step towards keeping them from entering abusive relationships later on.

"If the girls at this age learn to make decisions based on their values, because they trust their values because they believe in themselves, they're less likely to get involved in violent relationships down the road," said Michelle MacCallum of the Women's Network.

Organizers had intended to cap attendance at 40, but even with minimal advertising were forced to allow 50. They believe they could have easily signed up 100 if they had had a big enough room.

Rosalie MacLeod recognizes the images look fake, but it affects her self esteem just the same. (CBC)

The lesson of the day was not lost on even the youngest girls, who already have been bombarded with thousands of images of what is considered the ideal woman on television and in magazines and movies.

"I think they look fake," said 10-year-old Rosalie MacLeod.

"It brings down girls all over the world. It brings down their self-esteem and just makes them do dumb things like trying to lose weight. And it just brings down people's self-esteem a lot, including mine."

There was also a component for parents, many concerned about the objectification of girls in the media at younger and younger ages, and the effect that's having on their daughters.

"My oldest daughter had gone swimming just recently, just last week, with her school," said Joanne Sharpe.

"She came home and said that she felt that her hips were too big. And that really was an eye opener for me ... and this is just the beginning for her because she's just 10."

The Women's Network is looking for more funding to meet the demand that exists for more programs like the one offered Monday.