Favara, M., Ford, K., Sánchez, A. & T. Tanima (2026). Young Lives Two Decades of Findings and Future Research Opportunities: Employment. Legacy Report. Young Lives.

This report presents the key findings emerging from over 20 years of Young Lives’ quantitative and qualitative data and research on employment, with a strong focus on women’s economic empowerment. It also highlights Young Lives’ significant contribution to related policy debates, showcases impact case studies, presents the latest trends based on preliminary analysis of Round 7 data and sets out unique opportunities for future research.

Key findings show:

  • Early inequalities in skills and learning shape later employment outcomes; young people from poor households and rural areas are less likely to secure decent jobs.
  • Young women face significant barriers to accessing paid employment, including disproportionate unpaid care work and early marriage – a persistent gender wage gap also remains