Cara Delevingne on Sobriety, Self-Acceptance and the Power of Believing You’re Worth It (Exclusive)

As International Women’s Day approaches on 8th March, L’Oréal Paris is once again highlighting remarkable women who are making significant contributions to their communities. The brand’s Women of Worth programme, which embodies its ethos of “Because You’re Worth It,” is now inviting nominations for its 2026 honoree class. This enduring initiative helps to uplift grassroots changemakers, continuing a two-decade legacy of recognising outstanding women.

Global ambassador Cara Delevingne is lending her voice to the campaign, drawing on her personal experiences, including her journey towards sobriety and her commitment to mental health and self-acceptance. Her advocacy encourages women to consider nominating themselves or others who have made a difference around them. In a recent interview, when asked about the nomination process, Delevingne’s advice was simple and fervent: “Just do it! If you’re even thinking about it, it means you belong there.”

Delevingne highlighted the positive impact of previous honorees, asserting that they all exemplify a common attribute—the drive to transform personal pain into purposeful action. “It’s fascinating because all those women represent something we all have as women—a need to make a change, or to demonstrate empathy through their struggles,” she shared. Many past recipients have channelled their challenges, such as advocating for better mental health resources or addressing issues of diversity, into creating meaningful change in their communities.

The notion of transformation resonates strongly with Delevingne personally. Since entering a rehabilitation programme in 2022 and adopting a 12-step recovery approach, she has openly discussed how sobriety has greatly influenced her life. Reflecting on her journey, she noted to Elle UK that giving up alcohol “has been worth every second.” This shift has not just changed her lifestyle; it has also profoundly altered her self-perception.

Delevingne articulated how sobriety has led her to feel a renewed sense of freedom, allowing her to embrace her true self fully. “I feel more like a kid than I’ve ever felt in the best way possible,” she stated, highlighting the positive effects this change has had on her outlook and daily experiences. Her evolving self-worth now centres around genuine self-acceptance rather than external validation.

Acknowledging the common human experience of grappling with self-doubt, Delevingne spoke candidly about how she has come to approach insecurities with kindness rather than resistance. “Everyone has their own little insecurity or wound around self-worth,” she said. “It’s about loving that part of yourself and working with it. It’s a daily practice that requires commitment and compassion.”

Part of Delevingne’s daily rituals involves grounding exercises, including breathwork, and engaging in joyful activities like belting out hits from artists like Adele and Rihanna in her car. She described these moments as liberating and a means of reconnecting with her body while silencing the comparisons that can arise from social media.

“It’s incredibly cathartic,” she explained. “Sometimes when I catch a glimpse of someone looking at me while I’m singing, I love it! It feels like a safe space.” For Delevingne, the act of dancing and losing herself in music is vital, especially during times of turbulence and noise in the world. “For me, music is empowering, and just enjoying my body is so important.”

With International Women’s Day just around the corner, Delevingne’s call to action serves as an inspiring reminder of the potential within each woman to embrace her journey and realise her worth. Whether through self-nomination or recognising the efforts of others, the Women of Worth programme stands as a testament to the power of women supporting women in their quest for empowerment and change.

As nominations are officially open, there is an opportunity for many to resonate with Delevingne’s sentiments and take part in this celebration of women’s achievements. The Women of Worth programme continues to shine a light on those who are not only driven by personal ambition but who also strive to uplift others and foster a culture of empowerment and community impact.