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.