WASHINGTON, DC / AGILITYPR.NEWS / February 26, 2026 / The Real Choices, Real Lives study followed the same group of girls from birth to adulthood across nine countries.

Washington, DC, Feb. 26, 2026 — An 18-year global study tracking the same group of  girls from birth to adulthood finds they are staying in school longer and marrying later than their mothers, but widespread violence and climate pressures threaten that progress. 

Plan International followed girls from birth in 2006 to age 18 in 2024. Researchers spoke with the girls and their caregivers every year. The study took place in nine countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America. It is the only long-term qualitative study to track the same group of girls for nearly two decades. 

Read the full Real Choices, Real Lives final report 

Progress across generations 

The findings show clear change over time. By 2024, nearly two-thirds of the girls were completing or had completed secondary school. Nine percent had gone on to university. Most of their mothers had little or no formal education. 

Fewer girls married before age 18 compared to the previous generation. Just over one in ten girls in the study were married or in unions by age 18. Nearly half of their mothers had married that young. 

Researchers note that this generational progress did not happen by chance. It reflects sustained investment in girls’ education, community engagement and policies that expand opportunity. Where schools were strengthened, families supported and harmful norms challenged, girls were more likely to complete secondary school and delay early marriage. 

But the study also warns that progress depends on continued support. Without consistent funding and protection for girls’ rights, hard-won gains can quickly stall or reverse. 

Violence remains widespread 

At the same time, serious challenges remain. Ninety-one percent of the girls reported experiencing violence by age 11. Many said violence affected their confidence, relationships and sense of safety. Online harassment is adding new risks. 

Girls also carry a heavy workload at home. On average, they spent more than five hours a day cooking, cleaning and caring for siblings. Boys in their families were rarely expected to do the same. This leaves girls with less time for school, rest and leadership. 

Climate and rising pressures 

Climate change is making these pressures worse. Droughts, floods and failed harvests are pushing families deeper into poverty. When incomes drop, girls are more likely to miss school or take on more unpaid work at home. 

In fragile contexts, including conflict-affected settings, girls are significantly more likely to drop out of school or be married before age 18. The study warns that economic shocks, displacement and funding cuts can quickly undo years of progress. 

The report also points to growing efforts in some countries to limit girls’ access to education and sexual and reproductive health information. Funding cuts and restrictive policies can make it harder for girls to speak out or get the support they need. 

Adolescence as a turning point 

“The study showed adolescence to be an important turning point,” Keya Khandaker, research manager at Plan International, said. “This is often when freedoms shrink and expectations grow. Girls are asked to take on more work at home and, in some cases, give up school. When girls stay in school and are safe from violence, their lives change. So do their communities.” 

Throughout the study, many girls said they wanted careers in medicine, law, engineering, teaching and public service. Many were determined not to marry or have children too young. 

Many said staying in school and being safe from violence were critical to their future, and that preventing violence against girls must be a shared responsibility. 

“Girls have made real progress because communities and partners have invested in them,” Shanna Marzilli, president and chief executive officer of Plan International USA, said. “That progress must be protected. Continued investment in girls’ education and safety is essential if we want these gains to last.” 

“Governments, NGOs and communities must listen to girls and place them at the center of decisions that shape their lives. If we fail to act now, we risk failing an entire generation of girls,” Reena Ghelani, chief executive officer at Plan International, said. 

Notes to editors 

Real Choices, Real Lives is an 18-year longitudinal, qualitative study run by Plan International. The study followed 142 girls in Benin, Brazil, Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, the Philippines, Togo, Uganda and Vietnam from birth in 2006 until age 18 in 2024. Researchers conducted annual in-depth interviews with caregivers and the girls themselves, alongside participatory activities and household surveys. 

The final global report, Real Choices, Real Lives: Findings from 18 Years of a Global Study with Girls from Birth to Adulthood, synthesizes 18 years of evidence and provides new analysis on education, unpaid care work, health and wellbeing, sexual and reproductive health, child marriage, violence, climate change, agency, leadership and aspirations.