How societies' perceptions of girls have transformed from viewing them primarily as mothers-in-training to recognizing girlhood as a distinct developmental stage. The article weaves together historical contexts, educational opportunities, coming-of-age traditions, and contemporary challenges, highlighting both progress and persistent inequalities. Drawing from her three decades of global reporting, Reeves shares compelling stories of girls' experiences from Afghan schools to climate activism, illustrating how girlhood continues to evolve unevenly across our world, increasingly shaped by girls themselves. https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

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