North East Lincolnshire: UK’s toughest place to be a girl – report

North East Lincolnshire has been ranked as the toughest place in the UK to be a girl, according to a new study.

Children’s charity Plan International UK has looked at factors affecting girls’ lives, such as education, poverty, health, violence and freedom of expression.

The State of Girls’ Rights in the UK 2024 report found that North East Lincolnshire (NEL) was ranked as the most challenging community, with a score of 69.07 out of 100.

In comparison, East Dunbartonshire in Scotland was ranked as the best performing region, with a score of 79.74.

As part of the data collection, the charity surveyed 2,963 girls and young women aged 12 to 21 across the UK, through schools and online panels.

In the report, the charity said NEL ranked in the bottom 5% of local authorities in factors including participation in education, employment and training and the gender pay gap.

Francesca Young, who owns her own business in Cleethorpes, told the BBC: “I love living here. I think locally we have some really good things happening in the creative sector.

“I don’t think it’s the worst place to live, but I think there could always be more opportunities for women.”

When it comes to women’s safety, Ms Young said the issue is “simply not highlighted enough in the UK”.

“We don’t have good public transport and I don’t feel safe walking around at night, I wouldn’t do it,” she added.

Lauren, from Cleethorpes, who did not want to share her surname, said: “I think there are areas where you feel safe and others where you prefer not to go at a certain time.”

Shereen, visiting from Nottingham, also declined to share her surname, adding: “Grimsby and Cleethorpes are a bit stuck in their ways and there’s not much industry there anymore.

“The idea of ​​moving back in with my family is daunting because I don’t know if there will be enough opportunities.”

A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council said: “Like many young people across the country, those growing up in our area face challenges, but there are also huge opportunities and exciting plans for the future in North East Lincolnshire.

“We work hard with our community and partners to support our young people in their growth, providing them with better opportunities to thrive and succeed.”

NELC said the focus would be on improving the attainment of school leavers and a National Citizen Service-funded project to support local teenagers with social and vocational skills.