Exploring the school to work transition for adolescent girls

If countries are to grow and prosper in a way that improves the lives of everyone, they need to make a special commitment to supporting marginalised adolescent girls. This includes girls who experience extreme poverty, reside in rural areas, live with disabilities, are affected by conflict or belong to disadvantaged ethnic groups: these girls are among the most vulnerable people in the world and face the greatest risk of being left behind. In terms of the world's development ambitions, they are the least likely to complete primary and secondary schooling (part of Sustainable Development Goal 4, SDG 4) and face the greatest barriers in making the transition from school to decent work (SDG 8).
Marginalised adolescent girls should be able to move to livelihood opportunities - formal jobs and informal work and self-employment - that are secure, safe, fulfilling and productive. But most marginalised girls in low- and lower-middle income countries do not have access to education beyond primary school. A combination of low educational opportunities, economic insecurity, vulnerability and exposure to violence, alongside harmful social norms and practices, can hinder girls' transition into a healthy, safe, productive and fulfilling adulthood.