Response to Girlguiding survey

Following the findings in the latest Girlguiding survey, Lucy Russell, UK Girls' Rights Campaign Manager at Plan International UK said,

"As a girls' rights charity, we welcome the poll commissioned by Girlguiding which shows how many girls in the UK are struggling to express themselves and speak freely because of their gender.

Sadly, the fact girls are growing up in environments where stereotypes are reinforced on a daily basis is not news to us. In our report The State of Girls Rights in the UK, released last year, we heard from girls who said if they didn’t conform to expectations they were often policed or silenced. We also found that stereotypes around girls’ capabilities were often reinforced by teachers, peers and families.

We just address the root causes of gender inequality, including in schools, and stop the persistent, harmful stereotypes that limit girls’ opportunities and wellbeing. A whole school approach which includes engaging with boys and parents is key to tackling this issue."