In the matter of employment, Young Lives feels that access to decent jobs is something that is fundamental to improve the lives of young people from poorer backgrounds. The aspects of the labour market affecting study participants are diverse, with a substantial amount of young people beginning work during their childhood, often as an unpaid help within family businesses such as farms. Having comprehensively studied the pathways leading to decent work, Young Lives recognises that those from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to secure decent work compared to wealthier and more urban based households. Gender is also a factor again, with many young men across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana moving into employment at a younger age than young women. When it comes to family life, the Young Lives project has noticed considerable improvements between today’s school attendance, and that of the preceding generation, with current youngsters far more likely to stay in school longer than their parents did. This delays work, getting married, and leads to a longer wait before starting their own family. There are noted gender disparities again though, with a distinct lack of services available for young women in regards to sexual health, education, or support needs. Otherwise, health and wellbeing has been noticeably much improved, with many of the young adults taking part in the project less likely than previous generations to be physically stunted. They also have better access to sanitation, clean water, Best Youth-Related Research Study 2023 and can access antenatal care. One of the perhaps more unusual findings was that alongside undernutrition, there has recently been the added problem of obesity in the region. This creates a two-headed monster when it comes to battling malnutrition. Gender and intersecting inequalities have seen uneven progress, with persistent inequalities causing some young people to fall behind. The longitudinal data shows this is particularly likely with those from poorer rural households, and groups who hold minority status. There have also been economic and social impacts brought to the fore by the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, interrupted education and an increase in domestic work has had a disproportionate effect on vulnerable girls and young women. Going forward, this has led Young Lives to place understanding of gender and intersecting inequalities at the very heart of its research and policy advice. It strongly believes this is central to achieving sustainable development goals across the board. This pioneering project has been named as Best Youth-Related Research Study 2023 in the Research and Development Awards. It is a phenomenal and praiseworthy study, with the power to influence informed policy and make change happen for the good of all. Well done to Young Lives, we are profoundly awed. Web Address: www.younglives-india.org Contact Name: Renu Singh
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