G.I.R.L. Report

The G.I.R.L. Report is the community’s first comprehensive assessment on the status of girls in the Omaha area and features research and recommendations on a wide range of issues, including economic security, education, family life, health, violence and homelessness.

Six community agencies - Camp Fire USA, Girls Inc., Girl Scouts - Great Plains Council, Voices for Children in Nebraska, Women’s Fund of Omaha and YWCA - collaborated on the production of the G.I.R.L. Report. Researchers convened a series of 12 focus groups comprised of girls ages 12-18, conducted interviews and gathered local, state and national data to create the report.

Based on the findings of their research, the six partner agencies developed a number of recommendations, including:

Girls should be free to explore and learn without comparing themselves to, deferring to, or competing with males.

There is a need to proactively support campaigns and programs that help girls develop positive self images and behaviors and diffuse the negative impact of media messages.

There is a significant need to increase availability, accessibility and affordability of mental health services - ranging from assessment through all types of treatment -- for girls in Nebraska.

A critical need exists for mental health data to accurately document health needs and availability of accessible, affordable mental health services for girls.

All metro schools must participate in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) in order to accurately identify female adolescent behaviors, guide community programming and measure progress resulting from prevention and intervention programming.

Public education and community programs are needed to encourage girls and young women to make the connection between health, well-being, physical fitness and body image.

Download the complete G.I.R.L. Report.