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:

• Malnutrition during early childhood has severe long-term consequences, affecting physical growth, cognitive and socio-emotional skills, schooling and employability.
• With sustained investments, early childhood stunting can be reversed well beyond the first 1,000 days, even into adolescence, with physical recovery associated with improved cognitive skills.
• Early exposure to climate shocks, even in the womb, has lasting effects on children’s growth and learning, with effects that can span generations.

Download the report and explore the evidence shaping policy and practice.