A lack of gender equality is common across the world, affecting girls’ education, safety, autonomy, health and more.
Women and girls have been struggling for equality for decades, but a new report from UNICEF, Plan International and UN Women titled Girl Goals: What Has Changed for Girls? Adolescent girls’ rights over 30 Years details the persistent challenges.
The figures reveal that, despite a 39 per cent decrease in the last 20 years in the number of girls who don’t attend school, 122 million remain out of school globally. And, what’s more, almost 40% of teenage girls do not complete their secondary school education.
Illiteracy amongst young women is still a problem in the 21st century and even though the number of those not being able to read and write has halved since the 1990s, a staggering 50 million are still unable to do so.
Discrimination against women and girls endures
The story of young women being denied their potential to have a positive impact on their communities repeats across the world. Consistently regarded as ‘property’ or second class citizens, many still face a lack of access to health services and education while being subjected to discrimination and violence.
Latest statistics show that there is still much to do to improve the outlook for young women everywhere. UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, commented:
Adolescent girls are a powerful force for global change. With the right support at the right time, they can help deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals and reshape our world. Investments in critical areas such as education, skills, protection and essential health and nutrition services can unlock the potential of adolescent girls across the world and lift up communities and countries.
