One Billion Girls

One Billion Girls examines the lives of girls from birth to eighteen. It reflects on the millions of girls in the developing world who are denied any freedom, whose sexuality provokes fear and harm, yet whose repressed lives are seen as normal - it also focuses on girls in developed countries whose choices are restricted by more subtle discrimination. Based on conversations with girls and women in eighty countries, the author's findings are reinforced by statistics which show a shameful picture of inequality and abuse. She challenges religious doctrines, tolerance of harmful customs and inadequate international efforts that leave hundreds of millions of girls living intolerable lives. It is a story that has not been told. The daily misery of many millions of girls who are routinely abused in their home or in domestic service, who are denied an education, who are almost all married and mothers before they reach fifteen, is largely unreported and ignored by international institutions. As the Chief Executive of the world's largest organisation for girls and young women, Lesley Bulman-Lever was inspired by many girls who were determined to change their world. This is their story. Headteacher of an Inner London Comprehensive, Head of Education at the Industrial Society, policy advisor to the Labour Party, Lesley Bulman-Lever was Chief Executive of the World Association of Girl Guide and Girl Scouts for ten years. Previously on the Boards of CIVICUS, the Global Coalition of Women and AIDS, Plan International's committee reporting on girls and SOPHIA. A magistrate since 2009. This is her third book.