This report analyses how girls’ and young women’s capacity and agency for entrepreneurship and leadership are shaped by their household, community, and wider ecosystem as they move from adolescence into adulthood. The research strengthens the evidence base on how to advance gender equality in Asia-Pacific through tackling the gender-related barriers that adolescent girls and young women face.

Applying a human-centered approach through primary research in Indonesia, Thailand, and Lao PDR, the research sought to understand how girls’ and young women’s opportunities, capacity, and agency for empowerment through entrepreneurial skill development are influenced as they move from adolescence to adulthood (aged 10-24). Based on the findings, the research presents recommendations of high-potential entry points to address barriers and strengthen enablers to unlock girls’ and young women’s capacity for entrepreneurship and broader empowerment.

The report was commissioned by UNICEF East Asia and the Pacific Regional Office and UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub under the Youth Co:Lab initiative co-led by UNDP and the Citi Foundation. In addition to providing country and regional policy recommendations to advance opportunities for girls and young women, the report serves as a strategic output for the regional UNICEF-UNDP partnership, 'Empowering Youth for More Resilient Societies in Asia Pacific'.