- New research shows the effect of male and female stereotypes on young women
- Out of 1700 girls, almost all of them felt they were treated differently to boys
- Confidence in girls seemed to plummet as they grew into early adulthood
- Most agreed that women were unfairly represented in the media
- Half of the surveyed group identified gender equality was their biggest concern
Startling new research has revealed girls as young as ten feel they are marginalised just for being female.
A survey conducted by children’s rights agency, Plan International, uncovered that out of 1700 Australian girls aged between ten and 17, an alarming 96% believed they weren’t treated equally to boys.
Results detailed how a massive 93% also felt their lives would be easier if they weren’t judged based on their appearance.
A significant plummet in confidence was reported between the female ages of ten and 17, with 56% of ten-year-olds boasting the self assuring quality, opposed to a dismal 44% of 17-year-olds.
Research has uncovered how young Australian women feel their gender effects their chances of becoming leaders and being regarded separate to their appearance
Three quarters of girls aged between 10 and 14 believed they were capable of becoming leaders, but once they hit early adulthood, this fell to 55%.
Half of the girls surveyed identified gender equality as their biggest concern, while 40% said they thought their gender alone prevented them from becoming a leader.
Nearly 90% of respondents 15-17 believed it would be easier if women were more prominently shown in the media doing stereotypical male roles.
While almost 95% of girls in the same age group thought women being treated fairly in the media would make a difference.
Results detailed how a massive 93% also felt their lives would be easier if they weren’t judged based on their appearance
Girls aged 13 and 14 had the strongest belief that there was more importance on their looks than on boys with, 87% agreeing as opposed to 72% of the year group below them.
Plan International deputy head Susanne Legend said grave concern stemmed from the greater importance placed on appearance after females went through puberty.
‘The pace of gender equality seems glacial … we need to get our skates on if if we want this to change in this generation,’ she told Sydney Morning Herald.
The organisation has stated major reform is required In order to combat the scary statistics.
The report recommends gender specific school uniforms be removed, along with sexist advertising and media, and also that the gender pay gap be closed.
Three quarters of girls aged between 10 and 14 believed they were capable of becoming leaders, but once they hit early adulthood, this fell to 55%