Bread Financial®, ROX tackle issues impacting today’s girls
Findings from The Girls’ Index™ presented at recent “The Girls Are Not OK” event
Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), the national leader in programming, research and education focused on girls, wrapped up Women’s History Month by presenting findings from its report, The Girls’ Index™, at its The Girls Are Not OK event on March 26, in Columbus, Ohio. Throughout the evening, ROX founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Lisa Hinkelman shared key survey data and research updates with local nonprofit, education and community leaders, as well as presented relevant perspectives on topics affecting girls such as stress, mental health, confidence, social media and school.
The 2023 report, funded by lead sponsor Bread Financial™, surveyed more than 17,500 girls in grades 5-12. The largest national survey designed to develop a deeper understanding of the thoughts, experiences, perceptions, beliefs and behaviors of girls throughout the United States, found that girls’ confidence and self-esteem declined steeply, while stress, sadness and social media use all increased since results from the 2017 inaugural report were released.
Key findings from the report include:
- 79% of girls feel like they are under so much pressure that they are going to “explode”
- 55% of girls do not enjoy going to school
- 57% of girls do not think they are smart enough for their dream career
- 2 in 3 girls don’t speak their mind because they want to be liked
“The Girls' Index gives us a powerful look at the real, and often complicated, lives of girls today," Hinkelman said. "As adults, we have a responsibility to listen attentively, gain a deep understanding, and take decisive action to foster a world that is safer, more supportive, and more equitable for every girl. Meaningful change can only be achieved when we first grasp the intricacies of where girls are struggling and where they are thriving. Sharing this research with education and community leaders who directly impact and influence girls daily is essential to driving progress. Education has the power to transform lives and improve outcomes, and having the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded community leaders and partners like Bread Financial is paramount to advancing our mission and creating lasting change for girls everywhere."
Learnings from the research continue to inform ROX’s evidence-based Program for Girls, a 20-week curriculum that is delivered in schools by trained and licensed education, counseling and social work professionals. Available for girls in grades 5-12, the program teaches the skills necessary to address challenges they face as they navigate the complicated adolescent years.
The ROX program, propelled by a transformative $1.8 million dollar gift from Bread Financial in October 2023, has expanded from 24 to 32 states since the gift was made, with plans to reach all 50 states by the end of the 2025-26 school year. An advocate for women and girls and a longtime supporter of ROX, Bread Financial has committed a collective $3 million toward research, awareness and programming throughout its partnership.
“ROX is not only producing cutting-edge research, but it is actively working to challenge the status quo surrounding the experiences of girls through its programs,” said Val Greer, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Bread Financial and a ROX board member. “As a purpose-driven business, Bread Financial is committed to supporting the next generation of women leaders, and our partnership with ROX is helping move the needle when it comes to not just understanding the needs and challenges of today’s young women – but doing something about it. While the current findings may be difficult to hear, these data-driven insights are powerful and actionable, and we are thrilled to partner with ROX as they continue making meaningful and measurable impacts nationwide.”
Click here to learn more about ROX and visit Bread Financial’s sustainability page for more information on its commitments to the community.
About Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX)
Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and is the national authority on research, education and programming centered on girls. ROX puts data into action to create generations of confident girls who control their own relationships, experiences, decisions, and futures. ROX delivers school-based programs in 500+ schools across 30 states and operates the ROX Institute for Research and Training.
As a purpose-driven business, Bread Financial is committed to supporting the next generation of women leaders, and our partnership with ROX is helping move the needle when it comes to not just understanding the needs and challenges of today’s young women – but doing something about it."
Val Greer - Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Bread Financial
About Bread Financial®
Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company providing simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions. The company creates opportunities for its customers and partners through digitally enabled choices that offer ease, empowerment, financial flexibility and exceptional customer experiences. Driven by a digital-first approach, data insights and white-label technology, Bread Financial delivers growth for its partners through a comprehensive suite of payment solutions that includes private label and co-brand credit cards and Bread Pay® buy now, pay later products. Bread Financial also offers direct-to-consumer products that give customers more access, choice and freedom through its branded Bread Cashback® American Express® Credit Card, Bread Rewards™ American Express® Credit Card and Bread Savings® products.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Bread Financial is powered by its approximately 7,000 global associates and is committed to sustainable business practices. To learn more about Bread Financial, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Instagram.
