What politicians can do to make girls safer

We’re asking local authorities to come up with community-specific plans to protect girls from the impact of misogyny.

Local authority suggested actions to help girls feel safer

We're asking local authorities to take action to help girls feel safer in their communities. These actions should be informed by direct engagement with girls and young women to understand their lived experiences and concerns. Here are some suggested actions that areas local authorities can put into their community plans:

1. Improving public spaces to make them safer for girls:

• Better lighting in streets, parks and at public transport stops.
• Safe zones or ‘women and girls’ safety hubs’ in busy areas.
• Regular maintenance of public areas to avoid isolated or neglected spaces.
• Parks to be designed with girls in mind, and for girls to be involved in the design process.

2. Providing education and awareness for girls and boys:

• School-based programs on gender equality and respectful relationships.
• Community campaigns to challenge harassment and promote allyship.
• Bystander intervention training .
• Girl-only sessions and boy-only sessions looking at misogyny.

3. Reporting harassment and abuse, and support mechanisms:

• Including girls and young women in Violence Against Women and Girls strategies.
• Anonymous reporting tools for harassment or abuse.
• Visible support services in communities, like helplines and drop-in centres.
• Partnerships with local charities to provide trauma-informed care.

4. Implementing policies and anti-harassment initiatives:

• Clear anti-harassment policies in public spaces and council run spaces (such as community centres).
• Regular safety audits of the community space, with youth participation.
• Stronger enforcement of laws against harassment and violence, including adding sexual harassment and catcalling to Public Space Protection Orders.

6. Involving girls in the conversation:

• Girls’ advisory panels to inform local decision-making and keep leaders accountable.
• Youth-led safety mapping to identify unsafe areas.
• Funding for youth-led initiatives focused on safety and empowerment.

We’re asking regional mayors to sign our commitment to girls and make it clear that your region has no place for misogyny. We’re happy to arrange a public opportunity for you to join with local politicians and Girlguiding units in your region to publicly call for action against misogyny.

Addressing challenges with safety on public transport:

• Training for drivers and staff on gender-based harassment.
• Real-time tracking and emergency alert systems on public transport.
• Dedicated transport options during late hours.
• Awareness campaigns on bystander intervention.

Involving girls in the conversation:

• Girls’ advisory panels to inform local decision-making and keep leaders accountable.
• Youth-led safety mapping to identify unsafe areas.
• Funding for youth-led initiatives focused on safety and empowerment.

We’re asking devolved parliaments to listen to girls about their experiences of sexual harassment and misogyny. We’re asking devolved governments, MPs and the UK government to sign our commitment to girls making it clear that their country has no place for misogyny.