Source: World Vision
- 84% of girls are hopeful for the future, but violence, poverty and inequality threaten their dreams
- Conflict, insecurity, and violence are a part of daily life for one in five girls
- A third of girls are worried about losing their education
On the eve of the International Day of the Girl (11 October), a new World Vision report highlights the hopes, fears, and daily realities of hundreds of girls in more than 50 countries.
The Dreaming Out Loud report reveals that one in five girls (21%) live under constant threat of general insecurity or war. From the classroom to conflict zones, girls described physical, emotional, and sexual violence that strips away their dignity and safety.
Girls in countries like Eswatini, Peru, Ecuador and Ethiopia reported high levels of gender-based violence. For many, simply walking to school can be dangerous. Each year, 60 million girls are sexually assaulted at or on their way to school – meaning that for millions, the simple act of trying to get an education carries the threat of rape or abuse. In some countries embroiled in conflict or with high crime rates, girls can face the constant fear of abduction or assault.
World Vision New Zealand Acting National Director, TJ Grant, says despite these challenging circumstances, 84% of girls feel hopeful about the future but this hope remains fragile.
“These girls dream of becoming doctors, engineers, leaders and changemakers, but their futures are still too easily derailed by poverty, violence, or discrimination.”
Grant says education remains a cornerstone of girls' aspirations, with nearly three-quarters referencing about the value of school. However, one in three girls (33%) worry their education will be cut short due to early marriage, economic pressure, or cultural norms.
In West and Central Africa – the regions with the highest child marriage rates – one in three girls marries before age 18.i Today, an estimated 640 million women were married as children.ii
Hassana, 16, from Niger says: “I’m taking an exam this year, and what scares me is the fear that my parents will decide to marry me off if I fail.”
Viola, 16, from South Sudan, adds: “If you are a girl and they have not taken you to school, your father can force you to marry someone who has more cows.”
Grant says interrupted education is not just a personal tragedy for each girl; it’s a societal loss. The global cost of not educating girls is staggering – between $15 and $30 trillion in lost productivity and earnings, according to the World Bank.
Violence is also putting girls in peril. One in five girls reported that violence, conflict or insecurity was part of their daily reality. Many girls described sexual harassment, assault, and abuse as the worst parts of being female.
“The hardest thing about being a girl is being exposed to bad behaviour, including harassment and rape,” said Zaynab, 14, from Lebanon.
Grant says economic pressures often compound these risks. Girls are pulled out of school to help at home, forced into early marriage, or exposed to exploitation as families struggle to survive.
He says what’s most striking from the report is not only the hardship girls endure – but the resilience they show. More than 40% of respondents dream of becoming doctors, teachers, engineers or leaders, and 71% believe in the power of female leadership.
“A girl can be an amazing president or leader. Not just because she’s strong, but because she leads with heart, empathy, courage and vision,” said Alesia, 14, from Albania.
“Even when we’re underestimated, we rise,” added Anika, 16. “There’s something powerful about being soft and strong at the same time.”
Grant says World Vision is striving to improve future opportunities for all girls and is calling on governments, donors, and communities to:
- Guarantee 12 years of quality education for every girl
- Strengthen child protection systems to prevent and respond to violence
- Engage men, boys and faith leaders to shift harmful gender norms
- Address economic barriers through livelihoods and social protection
- Expand access to sexual and reproductive health education
“Girls are already dreaming of a better world. It’s time we listen and act,” he says.
World Vision’s child sponsorship programme helps to give girls living in some of the world’s toughest places support, education and opportunities. To sponsor a girl visit:
Notes
This report provides a “state of the world's girls” in 2025. World Vision surveyed 432 adolescent girls across 51 countries spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America and beyond between March and August 2025. We asked girls about their hopes, fears, dreams, and what being a girl means in their communities today.  Through interviews, video diaries and surveys, the study explored girls’ hopes, fears, and lived realities, supported by UN and World Bank data. While not nationally representative, the report offers a unique snapshot into the experiences and aspirations of girls living in diverse contexts – from conflict zones to high-income countries.
Report available to download here: