Increasing the Voice and Influence of Girls and Young Women

Introduction

This briefing explains why girls and young women need more chances to be heard and involved in decisions about their lives. It shares learning from 9 projects funded through the Women and Girls Initiative.

It’s written for:

• funders

• service providers

• commissioners

• anyone wanting to strengthen young women’s voice and influence

Findings

The briefing highlights that girls and young women want spaces where they feel safe, respected and listened to.

Projects learned that co‑production helped young women build confidence, develop new skills and influence decisions that affect them.

Many young women had faced trauma, poverty or discrimination, which made it harder for them to speak up. When young women were genuinely involved in shaping services, support became more relevant, empowering and effective. These approaches helped young women feel more valued and more able to take control in their own lives.

Staff said it took time to build trust and that being flexible, patient and supportive made a big difference.