Turning the World Around

What we found out

• Gender equality is the single most important issue for girl activists. 60% of the girls we spoke to said gender equality or gender-based violence was a priority issue for them.
• One in five girl and young women activists have feared for their safety while carrying out their work.
• The single biggest barrier to girls’ activism is a shortage of funding. More than half of girls we surveyed named a lack of finances as the main factor holding their campaigning back.
• One in four girls cited negative views from members of their family or community as another frequent barrier.
• Activism takes a huge toll on girls’ mental health, and can come at huge personal cost. Many of the girls we spoke to have experienced anxiety, depression, burnout and emotional exhaustion. One in four say they’ve felt emotionally unwell or anxious while engaging in activism work, for LGBTIQ+ activists, this figure rises to one in three.
• Despite this, nearly all girl and young women activists (95%) say campaigning has had a positive impact on their lives, making them feel proud, empowered and capable.
• Girls are creating change. More than half of girls and young women we surveyed say the impact of their activism has met or exceeded their expectations.