Plan International released the 2023 State of the World’s Girls Report highlighting the keys to successful activism and the barriers to activism experienced throughout the world. Over 1000 adolescent girls and young women participated in the research study: 840 completed the survey, 203 were interviewed, and 57 were included in focus group discussions. Based on this research, 60% of the girls and women surveyed said they actively campaigned for gender equality and gender-based violence issues. 61% of study participants said the impact of their activism in creating change has met or exceeded their expectations. While 95% of girls and women said that their activism had a positive impact on them. Based on this research, the keys to successful activism are education, skills training – including in leadership and public speaking, and knowledge building. Plan International sought to determine the barriers to activism, based on the study, 25% of participants indicated they felt emotionally or psychologically unwell or anxious during activism, and another 61 faced negative consequences as a result of activism. Respondents indicated they feared for their safety while undertaking activist activities (17%), and 21% were deterred from activism, reporting fears for their safety. Based on this research, the barriers to activism include lack of funding, lack of confidence, fears for their safety, age and gender discrimination, shrinking civic space, repressive laws, and institutional bureaucracy. In spite of the obstacles to activism, adolescent girls and young women activists are determined to continue their activism and see it as their life’s work.

Download the 2023 State of the World’s Girls Report, click here.