“Equality can’t happen in the shadows” – global report sheds light on how girls are resisting traditional gender expectations

Press Release

Around the world, girls are challenging gender norms in creative, courageous and often overlooked ways – but the risks are high.

A new global study from Plan International and Cardiff University, titled Girls’ Everyday Resistance, reveals that 63% of girls are resisting gender norms in secret – from earning money without their caregivers’ knowledge to forming hidden friendships or relationships – as public resistance carries serious threats to their safety. Despite these risks, nearly half (47%) of the girls were openly disobeying gender norms in some way.

Drawing on 18 years of qualitative data from Plan International’s Real Choices, Real Lives study, which followed 142 girls in nine countries – Benin, Togo, Uganda, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Cambodia, the Philippines and Vietnam – from birth through age 18, the report uncovers how girls engage politically in everyday life, often without identifying as activists.

The research shows that girls’ resistance takes many forms: playing sports traditionally associated with boys, questioning why they are expected to do more chores or have fewer freedoms, calling for better access to sex education, or advocating for the ability to make decisions about their own lives. These everyday acts are brave expressions of political engagement as they seek to undo traditional gender norms – though they often go unnoticed.

“Gender equality cannot be achieved in the shadows,” said Dr Keya Khandaker, research manager at Plan International. “These findings are a wake-up call. Girls are already driving change and are telling us that what they need is supportive adults, safe environments, and the freedom to be heard without fear of harm.

“Girls are asking adults to share the responsibility for achieving gender equality,” she added. “They don’t want to be heroes, they want to be listened to.”

While public attention often focuses on famous girl activists like Greta Thunberg, the report reveals that most girls engage politically in quieter but equally transformative ways – and that they need greater support from adults to do so safely.

“Girls everywhere are finding creative and often subtle ways to push back against gender inequalities in their communities,” said Dr Rosie Walters, senior lecturer in international relations at Cardiff University.

“But for many, speaking out or openly disobeying gender rules can be dangerous. The message to those who want to support girls’ activism is to help make it safe for them to express their views, question norms and influence decisions.”

The findings show that overtly challenging gender rules can carry a risk of backlash. Among the girls who resisted, 83% said they had experienced physical punishment during childhood for doing so. As a result, fewer than half felt able to challenge traditional gender norms openly, and most hid their resistance to stay safe.

The report also broadens the definition of activism, showing that acts often regarded as small or personal can drive lasting change.

In Brazil, Juliana grew up loving football, despite her grandparents’ belief that “it is not normal for girls to play.” Ignoring warnings to stay off the pitch, she kept returning to the field.

Juliana’s friends teased her for being “a tomboy,” but undeterred Juliana pushed back:

“That’s sexist – a girl can play ball just like a boy.” Her persistence eventually helped shift her grandmother’s views, who began to support her passion, saying it was “something I won’t take away from her.”

Juliana’s story shows that when adults listen and prioritize girls’ well-being over gender expectations, they help create the space for girls to thrive – and open the door to wider social transformation.

The report calls on governments, educators, and communities to create an environment where girls can lead the change they want to see.

Governments should strengthen laws that promote equality and ban corporal punishment and fund education and community initiatives that and support girls’ leadership.

NGOs and civil society must work with caregivers to challenge restrictive gender norms and help girls build skills, networks, and confidence.

Schools should create safe spaces for girls to speak freely, lead activities, and receive comprehensive sex education.

Caregivers and community leaders must listen to girls, make them feel safe to share their opinions, and be role models for equality in their households.

The research shows that girls’ ability to resist depends not only on their courage but also on adults’ willingness to create safer and fairer communities where girls can thrive. When girls’ everyday resistance is met with consideration and support, it becomes the foundation of lasting equality.

About Plan International

Plan International is an international development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of challenges children face. We are there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in more than 80 countries. We won’t stop until we are all equal.

For further information or interview requests, please contact:

Vannette Tolbert

Senior Manager, Communications

Email: [email protected]