Across time, cultures, and continents, girls have been burdened by beliefs that were never rooted in truth—but in control, fear, misinformation, and s
Across time, cultures, and continents, girls have been burdened by beliefs that were never rooted in truth—but in control, fear, misinformation, and systems of inequality. These ideas have cost girls their childhoods, their safety, their freedom, their voices, and their lives.
At RosasChildren, we believe in examining these beliefs so we can name them, challenge them, and begin to heal the harm they have caused—because when we protect the most vulnerable, we build a safer, wiser, more just world for all.
Here are 10 beliefs that have harmed girls globally:
1. “Girls’ bodies are property to be altered for tradition.”
This belief fuels practices like female genital mutilation (FGM)—a procedure done to millions of girls in the name of culture, purity, or marriageability. It’s not tradition; it’s violence. FGM causes lifelong physical and psychological trauma, often done without anesthesia or consent.
2. “Girls mature faster—so they can marry younger.”
In too many places, child marriage is seen as a practical solution to poverty, unwanted pregnancy, or “family honor.” But the belief that girls are “ready” at 10, 12, or 14 years old erases their need for education, protection, and development. Marriage should never replace a childhood.
3. “Black girls feel less pain.”
This falsehood stems from the racist belief that Black people have a higher tolerance for pain—and it continues to harm Black girls in medical care, education, and even when reporting abuse. Black girls are less likely to be believed, protected, or properly treated—because of this dehumanizing myth.
4. “Girls who are quiet, obedient, and self-sacrificing are good girls.”
This belief praises girls who don’t protest, who don’t speak up, who don’t express needs. It grooms girls to ignore their instincts, suppress their pain, and tolerate mistreatment. Girls are not here to be pleasing—they are here to be whole.
5. “Girls’ bodies are dangerous, so they must be hidden or punished.”
From forced veiling to honor-based violence, some beliefs frame the female body as a threat or a source of shame. Instead of teaching respect and responsibility to others, girls are taught to carry the burden of others’ behavior.
6. “Girls can be witches—sources of evil.”
In parts of the world, girls are still accused of witchcraft, often after the death of a family member or a misfortune. These accusations can lead to social ostracism, abuse, or even murder. The belief that girls hold “dark powers” is yet another way of justifying violence against them.
7. “Disabled girls are incapable of normal life—or are cursed.”
Around the world, girls with disabilities are hidden away, denied education, or subjected to abuse because of ableist and superstitious beliefs. Some are sterilized, institutionalized, or trafficked. Disability is not a curse. It’s a part of human diversity.
8. “Girls are less valuable than boys.”
This belief underpins female infanticide, sex-selective abortion, and neglect of girls’ health and nutrition. In some cultures, having a daughter is seen as a financial burden. This preference for boys over girls starts before birth—and shapes the trajectory of millions of lives.
9. “Girls are responsible for male desire.”
Whether it’s through school dress codes, family rules, or victim-blaming after sexual violence, this belief shifts blame onto girls for what others do to them. This belief encourages shame and silences Survivors instead of holding perpetrators accountable.
10. “Girls must earn protection through purity.”
Girls are often told that if they “stay pure,” they’ll be safe, loved, or valued. But when harm happens, this belief implies they somehow failed. No child should have to earn safety. Protection is a right—not a reward.
Girls are not the problem.
The beliefs that harm them are.
Safe adults must confront these dangerous ideas, even when they are dressed up as tradition, religion, or “what’s always been done.” Protecting girls starts with seeing their full humanity, their worth, their right to joy, choice, and safety.
Let us listen to them.
Let us believe them.
Let us build a world that honors the truth of who girls really are.
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