As reported by The Guardian, a survey has found that two-thirds of girls and young women have altered their daily behaviour in an effort to avoid misogynistic behaviour
The research found that over half of girls and young women in the UK aged between 11 and 21 reported feeling unsafe travelling alone, up from 45% in 2022, while almost one-third said they avoided using public transport altogether.
Girlguiding’s annual Girls’ Attitudes survey revealed that almost 90% of respondents avoid going out after dark. Girls with disabilities reported feeling particularly unsafe travelling, particularly on public transport, compared with 33% of non-disabled girls.
The survey also examined experiences of misogyny in schools. More than half of girls aged 11 to 18 said they had been subjected to toxic comments from male pupils, while 32% reported witnessing teachers or staff experiencing sexist or misogynistic abuse. Among younger respondents, one in ten girls aged 11 to 16 said they did not feel safe at school. This figure rose to over two in ten for LGBTQ+ girls and to three in ten for disabled girls. One in ten admitted to deliberately missing school to reduce their risk of sexual harassment, with the rate doubling to 21% among disabled pupils and increasing to 18% among neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ girls.
Girlguiding has demanded stronger action, urging local authorities and schools to confront misogyny openly, while pressing politicians and transport providers to hear girls’ voices and prioritise safer services.
Amanda Azeez, the acting chief executive of Girlguiding, said: “Although a lot of progress has been made in creating an equal world, reading these stark findings makes us realise that in some areas, like the treatment and behaviour that girls’ face, things sadly haven’t changed at all. Girls are not being treated equally and are consistently made to feel like they’re not enough. This is not only affecting their mental health but stopping them from being themselves.
To ensure girls’ safety and to tackle this issue, action needs to happen now, starting with listening to and involving girls and young women in how to address this. Girls should be able to rely on decision-makers to keep them safe, as well as their peers for support.”
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