Publication Information
A global policy focus since 2000 on the first decade of children's lives has resulted in impressive achievements, including dramatic reductions in child mortality and the expansion of primary schooling. To uphold and build upon these gains, however, a new focus is needed on the crucial period of adolescence, when gender differences widen, particularly for the poorest children, and decisions are made around education, work, marriage and fertility that have a critical impact on long-term outcomes for girls and boys.
A global policy focus since 2000 on the first decade of children's lives has resulted in impressive achievements, including dramatic reductions in child mortality and the expansion of primary schooling. To uphold and build upon these gains, however, a new focus is needed on the crucial period of adolescence, when gender differences widen, particularly for the poorest children, and decisions are made around education, work, marriage and fertility that have a critical impact on long-term outcomes for girls and boys.

