Just 15% of UK girls believe politicians act in their best interest, reveals a national survey for International Day of the Girl

With a General Election on the horizon, UK girls and young women say they feel neglected by politicians, according to a survey by global children’s charity Plan International UK to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl (October 11th). 

Just 15% believe political leaders act in their best interest, says the survey of 1,000 girls and young women aged 14-24. Almost half (47%) said decisions made by political leaders over the last three years have made them lose trust in them, with 42% feeling stressed, worried or anxious about their decisions.  

Girls feel the top five issues the UK government should prioritise are the cost of living crisis (56%), healthcare and the NHS (42%), mental health (30%), UK economy (25%) and climate change (23%). 

A fifth (20%) of girls say the decisions made by politicians on the issues they care about over the past three years have made them feel less confident to share their views, and a fifth (20%) have stopped engaging in politics or current affairs altogether. 

To inspire a generation of girls turning their back on politics, Plan International UK’s Girls’ Takeover initiative is supporting girls to take over business, media and political leaders such as Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham and Hillary Clinton as well as MPs Caroline Nokes and Anum Qaisar. These takeovers are an opportunity for girls to showcase their skills, demand a seat at the table and make their voices heard. 

Stella Creasy MP, says: 

"The problem isn't young girls not having interesting political views, it's politics not being interested in the views of young girls. This research shows the consequences when so many feel alienated from our democratic structures. We don't just need a more representative parliament, we also need to change the way our democracy works from the grassroots up to make sure that everyone's voices can be heard." 

Estelle, 18, who took part in a Girls’ Takeover with Caroline Nokes MP, says: 

“For young women and girls to see women in Parliament as MPs and political leaders, gives them confidence and belief that they too can work in government. They are shown how they can be changemakers, how young women can affect society for the better, and how they can influence policies to work towards equality.”  

Rose Caldwell, CEO at Plan International UK, says: 

“The talent, ideas and strength of girls have the power to change the world, yet girls tell us they are feeling ignored and disregarded by UK politicians, and this means society is missing out on what girls have to say. The actions of those in power are key to how girls view participation in politics, and it is vital that they listen to and meaningfully involve girls in decision-making spaces. Together with girls, we can make sure International Day of the Girl becomes a catalyst for powering a world where every girl can reach her potential.” 

To mark International Day of the Girl, this October Plan International UK is asking people to start a regular gift of £3 a month to help amplify the voices of girls around the world. Those who join the Fierce Voices community this October will receive a limited edition #DayOfTheGirl tote bag. To find out more about joining, go to the Plan International UK website: https://plan-uk.org/international-day-of-the-girl

Notes to Editors 

The research was conducted online by Opinium Research amongst a sample of 1,000 14-24-year-old females in the UK from 11th to 17th July 2023 

For more information, photos and videos or to arrange interviews with young people or Plan spokespeople please contact:  

Leah Godfrey, Media & PR Officer, [email protected] 

Plan International UK Press Office 

Tel: 0300 777 7374 Switchboard: 0300 777 9777 / +44 (0)20 7608 1311 (Non-UK) 

Email: [email protected]

Web: plan-uk.org/media-centre