The State of the Girl Today

We believe in the power of girls to thrive in a complex world through overcoming obstacles and achieving her full potential.

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Stronger, Smarter, Bolder: The Challenges Our Girls Face

At Girls Inc. Indy, we work with young girls navigating a complex world that presents obstacles and opportunities. Their stories, told through their own experiences, highlight the urgent need for support, resilience, and empowerment.

Mental health remains a significant concern.
53% shared that, in the past 30 days, their mental health had not been good.
Emotional regulation is a struggle.
61% say they lose control when things don’t go their way, and 83% admit to losing their temper when angry.
Girls are experiencing sadness, stress, or depression.
But, 24% would be afraid to ask for help, and 15% simply wouldn’t know what to do.
Societal pressures weigh heavy.
39% feel a lot of pressure to be pretty. 41% say they are not happy with how their body looks.
Conflict with peers can escalate.
35% admit to pushing or hitting others, and 38% say they have been pushed or hit themselves.
Words leave their mark, too.
52% admit to saying mean things about others, while 66% have been on the receiving end of such words.

STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE

Despite these challenges, our girls demonstrate remarkable resilience, determination, and confidence in their future.

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96 %
see themselves as hard workers
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93 %
believe they have a great future ahead
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94 %
know they can handle their problems
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91 %
make a plan and get things done when they have a lot to do
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86 %
move on quickly when a friend says something mean to them
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92 %
know girls like them can be leaders
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84 %
feel confident in leading others toward a goal
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97 %
actively work to ensure fairness for all
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95 %
stand by what they believe is right, even if their friends disagree

Most importantly, they believe in their future.

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95 %
say they know they will graduate from high school.
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88 %
are confident in the goal of graduating college.

The Path Forward

Our girls are navigating a world that often challenges their confidence, mental health, and self-worth. But the data tells a story of persistence, hope, and belief in themselves. With the proper support, mentorship, and opportunities, these young leaders will continue to rise—proving they are strong, smart, and bold.

At Girls Inc. Indy, we stand with them, ensuring that every girl has the tools to overcome obstacles and achieve her full potential.