Summary
A study followed 142 girls from nine countries over 18 years to track progress in their lives. The research found improvements in education and career ambitions but also noted ongoing challenges like violence, unpaid care work, and societal pressures. Economic hardship and political issues could threaten these gains.
Key Facts
- The study tracked 142 girls from birth to adulthood in nine countries.
- Two-thirds of the girls completed or are completing high school, which is better than their mothers' education levels.
- Only about 10% of the girls married as children, compared to nearly half of their mothers.
- Most girls in the study experienced violence by age 11.
- The girls spent an average of five hours a day on unpaid care work.
- Many girls face societal pressures to prioritize marriage and domestic roles over education and career aspirations.
- Economic and political challenges threaten the progress made in girls' education and life prospects.
