New OECD analysis relating to the Gender Initiative (OECD, 2012a) underscores that greater female labour participation reduces poverty risks, not just for women directly but also for their children and the family as a whole (Figure 2.3). At the secondary level, girls have higher enrolment rates than boys (90% compared to 84%) and higher graduation rates from tertiary education (university) than their male peers (21% compared to 18%). However, Mexican women continue to face obstacles to full participation in the labour market. Although some young women do not seek employment because they are engaged in child rearing, more than one-third of Mexican women aged 15-29 are classified as not in employment or education and training (NEET). This share compares with one in ten young men, a gender gap not observed elsewhere in other OECD countries. Facilitating women’s labour force participation is needed to ensure that investments in education are not lost, and sustained economic growth is achieved.