Why Girls?

If we do nothing,
then nothing changes

Fearless Women is based on Research

Recent research and surveys conducted by the Australian National University and Mission Australia show that girls and young women in the ACT feel overwhelmed, stressed, and uncertain about their future.

And if we as a community do nothing, then nothing changes. The Team at Fearless Women is dedicated to providing the support, programs, and tools girls and young women need to fearlessly find their way in life, growing into confident, resilient women who are positive role models within our community.

In the ACT

52%

of young women were concerned with their body image, compared with 15% of young men. 1

In the ACT

59%

of young women were concerned about their mental health issues, compared with 25% of young men. 1

In the ACT

60%

of young women were concerned with coping with stress, compared with 30% for males. 1

In the ACT

49%

of girls said school or study problems was a concern compared to 22% of boys. 1

In the ACT just

33%

of girls were extremely or very confident in their ability to achieve their study or work goals after school compared to 50% boys in the ACT or 46% of young people nationally. 1

In the ACT

66%

of young women felt mental health was a barrier impacting on the achievement of study or work goals compared with 40.8% of males. 1

In the ACT

20%

of young women aged 20-24 had negative feelings for their future. 3

In the ACT only

36.7%

of young women feeling positive or very positive about the future. 1

In the ACT

33.7%

of young women felt lonely all or most of the time compared with 16.3% of young men. 3

In the ACT only

9%

of young women aged 20-24 felt their health and wellbeing was balanced. 3

In the ACT only

8%

of young women aged 16-19 year felt their health and wellbeing was balanced. 3

In the ACT

49%

of young women aged 20-24 felt stressed. 3

In the ACT

54%

of young women aged 16-19 years felt stressed. 3

In Australia

65%

of girls who repeatedly self-injured when aged 14-17 reported attempting suicide at age 16-17. 4

In Australia

7%

of girls self-harmed at both ages 14-15 and 16-17, compared to 1% of boys. 4

In the ACT

42%

of girls reported thinking about self-harm at 14-15 or 16-17, compared to 18% of boys. 2

In the ACT girls aged

15-19

experience a higher rate of psychological distress than any other Australian jurisdiction. 2

In the ACT girls aged

15-19

were twice as likely than young men to report high psychological distress. 2

In the ACT

1 in 3

girls aged 15-19 met the criteria for serious mental illness. 2

Alarming statistics for girls and young women in the ACT include:

60%

Are concerned about coping with stress, compared with 30% for males. 1

59%

Are concerned about their mental health, compared with 25% of young men. 1

52%

Are concerned with their body image, compared with just 15% for males. 1

42%

Report thinking about self-harm at age 14-15 or 16-17, compared to 18% of boys. 2

33.7%

Report feeling lonely all or most of the time, compared with 16.3% of males. 3

36.7%

Only 36.7% feel positive or hopeful about their future. 3

66%

Feel that their mental health is a barrier to achieving their study or work goals. 1

33%

Only 33% of girls are confident in achieving their study or work goals after school. 1