Girls’ Safety: What the 2025 Girlguiding Survey Reveals
The 2025 Girlguiding Girls’ Attitudes Survey reveals a worrying truth - many girls are changing how they live, dress, and even behave in public to avoid harassment. Fear is influencing their choices at school, on the streets, and online - and it shouldn’t be this way.
Episode 21 - Self Defence & Personal Safety for Women Podcast
Helping girls replace fear with confidence and strengtH
In this episode of Self Defence and Personal Safety for Women, Julie Waite (women’s safety advocate and Co-Founder of Streetwise Defence) explores what the Girlguiding report tells us - and how parents, carers, and teachers can help girls feel safer, stronger, and more confident in everyday life.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How to talk about safety with young people without creating fear
Why awareness and prevention are more empowering than restriction
Simple ways to teach boundaries, confidence, and self-belief
Everyday safety habits for school, travel, and social life
How to support girls when they share safety concerns or experiences.
Why This Episode Matters
The latest Girlguiding research shows that:
68% of girls aged 11–21 have changed their behaviour to avoid sexual harassment
24% of girls have stopped speaking up in class to avoid harassment
1 in 10 have missed school to avoid harassment.
These aren’t just statistics - they represent real fear and lost confidence in a generation of young women.
But by opening calm, supportive conversations and teaching realistic safety skills, we can help girls replace fear with awareness, resilience, and confidence to live life fully.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Self Defence Workshops for Schools - ask your school to host a workshop
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Legal Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we aim to share practical self defence strategies, listeners are responsible for understanding and complying with the laws in their country or region. Streetwise Defence and its hosts are not liable for any actions taken based on this content.