A few weeks ago we marked the UN’s International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of girls around the world while recognising the challenges they continue to face. This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” urged us to listen to the voices of young women as they call for change. But it also served as a reminder of the enduring gender imbalance that persists globally, and of the need for urgent action to address the systemic inequalities that hold girls back.
Despite the hope and potential that this day inspires, the reality for millions of girls remains troubling. According to the UN, nearly one in five girls worldwide are still unable to complete lower-secondary education, and three in four new HIV infections among adolescents are among girls. In many parts of the world, girls are burdened with unpaid domestic work, and the devastating practice of child marriage continues to rise, exacerbated by the economic strains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The figures are stark, and the message is clear: gender inequality continues to limit the potential of girls globally.
The International Day of the Girl Child highlights these ongoing struggles, but it also celebrates the resilience and vision of girls. Girls around the world are pushing for change, demanding equality, and taking action in their communities. Yet, as the UN’s 2024 Gender Snapshot report makes clear, they cannot achieve this alone. Governments must invest in girls and women, ensuring they have access to education, healthcare, and equal opportunities. Without this investment, the world is missing out on billions in potential economic gains, as well as the immense social impact that gender equality could bring.
The UK, often seen as a leader in gender rights, is not immune to these global challenges. Gender inequality persists in various forms, from the gender pay gap to the shockingly low success rates in prosecuting sexual violence. The assumption that gender equality will naturally improve over time is not only complacent, but it is also dangerous. As highlighted by organisations like the Fawcett Society, progress towards equality has slowed, and in some areas, it is even regressing. One of the most pressing issues we face is the need to address the ongoing crisis of sexual violence, which disproportionately affects women and girls.
Education about consent is a crucial component of tackling this crisis. In the UK, the importance of teaching young people about consent has never been clearer. The rise in sexual violence, alongside the influence of online pornography, has distorted young people’s understanding of relationships. A recent report by the Children’s Commissioner revealed that nearly half of young people aged 16-21 believe that girls expect sex to involve physical aggression—a disturbing statistic that highlights the ongoing need for comprehensive consent education.
Teaching consent is about much more than preventing sexual violence; it is about fostering respect and understanding from a young age. Schools play a pivotal role in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of future generations, and integrating consent education into the curriculum is essential for promoting gender equality. Consent education not only addresses the issue of sexual violence but also challenges the power dynamics that perpetuate gender inequality. It teaches young people to respect one another’s boundaries, recognise coercive behaviour, and understand that mutual respect is the foundation of healthy relationships.
The issue of consent is closely tied to the broader struggle for gender equality. In the UK, the justice system’s handling of rape cases remains woefully inadequate, with only 4-5% of reported rapes leading to charges. This failure to deliver justice for victims not only reflects the deep-rooted gender biases within our institutions but also perpetuates a culture where sexual violence goes unpunished. Addressing these systemic failures requires both legal reform and cultural change—starting with consent education in schools.
As we reflect on the messages of the UN Day of the Girl Child, it is clear that while we celebrate the courage and achievements of girls around the world, we must also acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. Education—particularly around consent—plays a pivotal role in addressing the imbalances that continue to affect women and girls. By fostering a culture of respect and mutual understanding, we can help dismantle the power structures that perpetuate inequality.
Gender equality is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal issue that affects us all. As governments, educators, and individuals, we have to listen to the voices of girls and women to create a world where potential and life chances are not limited by gender.
Articles and sites used in this blog:
International Day of the Girl Child | United Nations
progress-on-the-sustainable-development-goals-the-gender-snapshot-2024-en.pdf (unwomen.org)