An introduction from our CEO, Angela Salt OBE

A year on from our last Girls’ Attitudes Survey, launched during the height of the global pandemic, the damaging impact of lockdown on girls’ and young women’s mental health still casts a long shadow.

Although normal life is slowly resuming and girls and young women are returning to guiding, wellbeing remains worryingly low. Girls and young women continue to be concerned about their studies, inequalities in the world around them and crucially, their mental health. And with challenges arising post-pandemic, including the cost of living and climate change, happiness is being eroded for girls and young women across the UK and around the world.

Understanding girls’ and young women’s lives

To delve deeper into these concerns, we’ve reported the Girls’ Attitudes Survey on a regional basis for the first time. With nationwide attention squarely focused on equity – irrespective of location, ethnicity or gender – it’s more important than ever to understand how girls and young women are experiencing life. These insights, and how we address them, are essential in making sure every girl and young woman can fulfil their potential.

Beyond the pandemic, we’re acutely aware that daily pressures and difficulties remain. This includes the prevalence of violence against girls and young women, both online and offline. Sadly, our survey shows just how common discrimination, stereotyping and sexism are in society. We’ve found that marginalised girls and young women report the highest levels of this unacceptable treatment. This has a negative effect on their confidence, safety and sense of wellbeing. We’re truly shocked at how many girls don’t feel safe at school, on social media or out in public.

Girlguiding’s crucial role

Girlguiding has a vital role to play in bringing about positive change, and helping girls and young women through such important stages of their lives. I’m optimistic that girls, with the help of our dedicated volunteers, can feel empowered to create change for themselves and future generations. Our survey highlights the growing confidence they have in challenging discrimination, identifying as feminists, and learning about respect and relationships in school. I’m also encouraged by their unwavering enthusiasm for social and community action, and inspired by their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Our journey began more than a century ago, when girls were determined to stand up for what they believed in. Today, the same is true. Although the challenges they face are many, girls and young women are building the future they want to see. We at Girlguiding are excited to be part of it.