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Plan International Study: Girls' Experiences of Violence and Gender Norms
A Plan International study tracking 142 girls across nine countries for 18 years reveals that 91% experienced violence since age 11, with most incidents occurring at school, home, or in their communities; the study also shows that many girls internalize male violence as normal and assume personal responsibility for their safety.
- What percentage of girls in the Plan International study experienced violence since age 11, and where did most of these incidents occur?
- A Plan International report reveals that 91% of 142 girls across nine countries experienced violence since age 11, most commonly at school (42%), home (31%), or in their communities (28%). The study highlights that many girls internalize the belief that male violence is normal, impacting their safety choices and sense of equality.
- How did the girls' perception of male violence as a natural phenomenon change over the 18-year study period, and what factors contributed to this shift?
- The study followed girls for 18 years, tracking their perceptions of gender norms and violence. In 2021, 68% viewed male violence as natural; in 2024, this dropped to 62%, suggesting some shift in perception, but a significant portion still accept this harmful norm. The girls' internalization of responsibility for their safety was also notable, rising from 57% at a younger age to 67% at 17-18 years old.
- What are the long-term implications of girls internalizing responsibility for their own safety, and what strategies are most effective in challenging this harmful societal expectation?
- The decreasing, yet still high, percentage of girls who view male violence as normal indicates a need for sustained interventions. The internalization of self-protection responsibility highlights the need for societal shifts emphasizing shared responsibility and challenging harmful gender norms. The study's findings underscore the urgent need for increased funding for violence prevention programs and for prioritizing girls' voices in policy decisions.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the vulnerability and victimhood of girls, which is understandable given the subject matter. However, it could be balanced by highlighting the resilience, resistance strategies, and agency demonstrated by the girls interviewed.
Language Bias
The language is largely neutral and factual, relying heavily on direct quotes from the study participants. There is a focus on the negative experiences, however, which may affect the overall emotional tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the experiences of girls in specific countries, but lacks a comparative analysis of similar situations in other regions or cultures. While acknowledging the study's scope, expanding on the global prevalence and variations of these issues would enrich the narrative.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it could benefit from exploring the nuances of societal responses to gender-based violence; some communities might have better support systems or cultural norms than others.
Gender Bias
The article appropriately centers the experiences of girls and uses their voices effectively. The language used is generally neutral, although the constant reiteration of male violence might inadvertently reinforce existing gender stereotypes.
Sustainable Development Goals
The report highlights that 91% of girls aged 11 and older have experienced some form of violence, with the most common locations being school, home, and their community. A significant portion (68% in 2021, 62% in 2024) perceived male violence as natural. This normalization of violence, coupled with the internalization of responsibility for self-protection by many girls, severely hinders gender equality and girls' safety. The reduction in funding for programs aimed at eradicating violence against children further exacerbates the issue.