Supporting Girls and Young Women: What They Need and How We Can Help
Do young women feel heard, supported, and valued in their local communities? What challenges do they face, and what kind of support would make a real difference in their lives? To better understand the experiences of girls and young women aged 11-16, we asked them directly. Their responses highlight both the gaps in support and the changes they want to see.
Do girls feel a sense of belonging in their community?
A strong community should be a place where everyone feels welcome, yet 62% of those we spoke to said that they did not feel there was a place for them in their community. 33% said they did feel there was a place for them in their community, whilst 4% responded sometimes. This suggests that more work needs to be done to create inclusive and welcoming spaces where young women feel valued and connected within their area.
Are young women listened to by those in authority?
Feeling heard is crucial for confidence and self-worth. Yet, when asked if adults in positions of power listen to them, 68% said no, 28% said yes and 4% responded sometimes. This lack of recognition can be frustrating and discouraging, making it even harder for girls to advocate for themselves and their needs.
Is there enough support for girls and young women in their area?
We asked if young women feel there is enough dedicated support for them in areas such as mental health, wellbeing, and relationships. The overwhelming response at 71% was ‘No. There was an overwhelming feeling that the resources available are either insufficient or not tailored to their specific needs.
One respondent replied “Mental health isn't taken seriously enough and teenagers don't look for help. Adults don't care about young people enough and put their own needs first. We need our own spaces away from adults. We are not always aware of what can help us.”
Many young women said they would welcome more activities and support groups specifically designed for girls aged 11-16. This clearly shows the need for more targeted programs that provide safe spaces for young women to explore issues affecting them.
What do girls need the most support with?
When asked about the key challenges they face, and what they would like more support with, they replied in order of need:
Mental health – Many young women struggle with anxiety, stress, and emotional wellbeing.
Body image and eating well – Pressure to look a certain way is a major concern.
Friendships and close relationships – Navigating social interactions can be challenging.
Dealing with sexism and unwanted sexual attention – Many girls experience discrimination or harassment.
Confidence and planning for the future – Many struggle with self-belief and setting goals.
Being listened to and feeling like they can make a difference in their community – Girls want their voices to matter.
Technology and staying safe online – Social media and digital spaces come with risks that many young women need help navigating.
Personal experiences of seeking support
When asked to share their experiences, some young women spoke about struggles with trust, personal hardships, and feeling unheard.
One girl shared how she lost trust in teachers after opening up to them, only to feel let down.
Another bravely spoke about struggling with disordered eating.
Others mentioned family difficulties, including the impact of divorce and fears for their parents’ wellbeing.
Body image issues and comparisons to peers were common themes, with girls expressing sadness about how they look.
These personal stories highlight the urgent need for safe, non-judgmental support spaces where girls can openly discuss their concerns without fear of being dismissed or misunderstood.
What kind of support would help the most?
Young women have clear ideas about the support they need and how it should be delivered:
Many prefer face-to-face support, either one-on-one or in small groups.
Schools were identified as a convenient place for support sessions, but others prefer after-school, weekend, or holiday programs.
Some would feel more comfortable with their parent present.
Online advice and support were also mentioned, particularly for those who might struggle to attend in-person sessions.
Conclusion
The voices of young women in our communities are clear: they want and need more support. Mental health, body image, relationships, and confidence are all major concerns, and there is a strong demand for more safe spaces, tailored activities, and opportunities to be heard.
So, what can you do to help?
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