Revealed: The toughest place in the UK to be a girl

Francesca Young believes there "could always be more opportunities for women"

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

Children's charity Plan International UK explored factors affecting girls' lives, such as education, poverty, health, violence and voice.

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

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

Lauren from Cleethorpes (left) and Shereen from Nottingham

As part of 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 performed in the worst 5% of local authorities in factors such as 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 do think, locally, we have some really good things going on 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."

In terms of women's safety, Ms Young said the topic is "just not highlighted enough in the UK".

Cleethorpes in North East Lincolnshire is ranked as one of the toughest places to live as a girl

"We don't have great public transport and I don't feel safe at night to walk around, I wouldn't," she added.

Lauren, from Cleethorpes, who did not want to share her surname, said: "I think there are areas you feel safe and other areas where you would choose not to go at a certain time."

Shereen, visiting from Nottingham, also did not want to share her surname, added: "Grimsby and Cleethorpes are a bit stuck in their ways and there's not much of an industry anymore.

"The thought of moving back to be with my family does put me off because I don't know if there would be enough opportunities."

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

"We are working hard with our community and our partners to support our young people as they grow, giving them greater opportunities to thrive and succeed."

NELC said there would be a focus on improving the attainment level of school leavers and a National Citizen Service-funded project supporting local teenagers with social and employability skills.

Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson MP said: “I am determined to make sure every young woman, no matter her income, class or background, has the best start in life and opportunity to succeed.

“We have a mission to halve violence against women and girls, treating it as a national emergency, and will work tirelessly to grow the economy and break down the barriers to opportunity for women and girls across the country.”