Adolescent Girls in LMICs: Evidence on Development Outcomes, Approaches, Opportunities and Challenges

Adolescence is widely recognised as a significant and distinct life phase. It is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF as the period between childhood and adulthood, from 10-19 years of age, segmented between early adolescence (10-14 years) and late adolescence (15-19 years) (WHO, 2024; UNICEF, 2021). This rapid literature review surveys the conditions for adolescent girls in LMICs in areas of physical health (with much of the literature focused on sexual and reproductive health-SRH), mental health and well-being, education, physical security and violence, poverty, voice and agency. It also explores outcomes of interventions in these areas aimed at improving welfare and opportunities for adolescent girls. The review draws on a mix of policy, practitioner, NGO and academic literature, drawing in large part on a range of systematic reviews.