Girls and young women in the north of England feel less happy, confident and safe than those in the south of the country, research suggests. They were more likely to not feel safe in public and that gender stereotypes hold them back at school, a Girlguiding survey found.
They were also significantly less happy with their lives than those in London and the south. Girlguiding said the Government must ensure levelling up is meaningful for girls and young women by prioritising their safety and wellbeing in education, health and public spaces, and online.
Some 3,015 girls and young women aged between seven and 21 across the UK were surveyed between March and April for Girlguiding’s annual girls’ attitudes 2022 survey, funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery. Overall, it found that more than half of girls and young women aged 11-21 do not feel safe outside alone (53%), while 45% said the same of being out in public, and 19% did not feel safe in school.
