William Eichler 20 January 2020

Regional inequality impacts girls’ ‘quality of life’

Inequality between the UK’s regions means that some girls are being ‘left behind’, a children’s charity has warned.

A new report from Plan International has found that gender inequality still affects the majority of girls in the UK.

In a survey of over 1,000 girls aged 14-21 for the State of Girls’ Rights in the UK 2020 report, six in 10 (60%) girls said they believe males are treated better than females in the UK.

These girls noticed differences in treatment in the media (72%), at school (41%) and even at home (22%), and more than half (57%) said they have encountered a situation where they believe they would have been treated better if they were male.

The analysis of measures of girls’ rights and quality of life, including child poverty, life expectancy and Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) status, also found that regional inequality has a negative impact on the quality of life for many girls.

Blackpool was named the toughest place in the UK to be a girl. Liverpool, Nottingham and Kingston Upon Hull were in the 10 lowest performing local authority areas.

'As we enter 2020, it’s extremely saddening, but not surprising, that our report finds girls still feel disempowered and unable to realise their rights here in the UK,' said Rose Caldwell, CEO of Plan International UK.

'They are told they can succeed, but they face a threat to their safety in public, online and in schools. They are told gender equality has been achieved, and yet they do not feel represented or heard in public life.

'If adolescent girls are feeling undervalued, unheard and under-represented in public life, we as a society are letting them down. This simply cannot continue.

'The findings in this report should serve as a wake-up call for all politicians and leaders. Policies at both national and local level are currently not going far enough to tackle inequality, but introducing Gender Champions would make sure girls start to see real change at every level of decision-making.'

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Data, Monitoring and Citizen Science Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 p.a. (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for an organised and reliable individual to join our team here at the North Pennines National Landscape in Stanhope for a period of 15 Stanhope
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5, £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata 37 hours per week, Term Time only + 2 weeks Permanent     Required from 1st September Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Commissioner

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer - WMF2139e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586
We have an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to apply for the role of Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer. Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Customer Operations Assistant

Wyre Borough Council
£12.26 Per Hour
Marine Hall is a vibrant and dynamic venue dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our audiences and customers. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner