Safer cities: Fear holds girls back
March 2013: Fear of sexual attacks and violence is creating 'no-go' areas for girls in cities, reveals new research by Plan.
As part of a unique participatory study, over 1,000 adolescent girls in India, Egypt, Peru, Uganda and Vietnam assessed their neighbourhoods and mapped out major obstacles to their safety and inclusiveness.
Watch the clip and see what life is really like for girls living in India's capital city.
Millions held back
Findings
- Only 3.3% of girls in Delhi always feel safe on public transport
- 80% of girls in Kampala do not feel safe
- In Lima, only 2.2% of girls always feel safe when walking in public spaces
The study, which involved participants from Cairo, Delhi, Hanoi, Kampala and Lima, found that although girls are more likely to be educated and marry later in cities, they face regular threats to their safety.
“These findings paint a dire picture of many girls being forced out of the public sphere in their cities simply for fear of their own safety. Millions of girls and young women are being held back from their right to vital opportunities by fear of violence, lack of safe spaces and facilities. It cannot be tolerated,” said Plan International Chief Executive Officer Nigel Chapman.
UN report launch
The 'Adolescent girls' views on safety in cities' study is being launched at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women - where Plan-supported girl delegates will be speaking out on their experiences of city life.
The study's findings will be used to lobby authorities to create safer urban environments with and for girls.
Find out more and download the study
Take part in our safer cities tweet jam on 8 March
Read about the Plan-supported girl delegates at the UN
Join Plan's Because I am a Girl campaign