More young people than ever are entering their childbearing and working years. At the same time, the number and proportion of people over age 65 are increasing at an unprecedented rate. Our future will be shaped by how well families and societies meet the needs of these growing "new generations": education and health -- including reproductive health -- for the young, and social, medical and financial support for the elderly.

After describing the international consensus reached in Beijing about empowering women and ending gender inequality, and defining key human rights concepts, the report examines key issues related to reproductive health and rights that affect women throughout their lives. Topics covered include: Early life chances, The mutual relationship between reproductive health and education, Adolescence and the transition to adulthood, Marriage and the family, Labour force participation and employment, Reproductive health and violence and Issues affecting the health of older women

"Partnering" shows how a global consensus is emerging on how to scale up successful programmes that involve men without diverting scarce resources from women's health. In fact, men are more and more taking ownership of mobilization and advocacy for the emergence of a more gender equitable young man.