Zambia’s youth are the heartbeat of the nation — and among them, female youth stand out as powerful agents of change, resilience, and innovation. With over half of Zambia's population under the age of 18, and young women making up a significant percentage, the development of the country is directly tied to the success and empowerment of Zambian girls and young women.
In recent years, Zambia has made notable progress in advocating for gender equality, but many challenges still persist. Young women in Zambia face unique barriers that limit their access to education, leadership, healthcare, and economic empowerment. These include:
Early marriages and teenage pregnancies
According to UNICEF, one in three Zambian girls is married before the age of 18, which often disrupts their education and future prospects.
Limited access to education and digital skills
Although more girls are enrolling in school, many drop out before completing secondary education, especially in rural areas. Access to technology and digital literacy remains disproportionately low for girls.
Gender-based violence and discrimination
Many female youth experience various forms of gender-based violence, both at home and in their communities, which undermines their confidence and security.
Despite these challenges, Zambian girls are rising — breaking barriers, leading businesses, learning tech, and using their voices to reshape communities.
There are powerful movements and organizations across the country working to uplift and support female youth in Zambia. These initiatives are closing gaps and creating new opportunities:
At the Youth Information Hub, we are committed to helping young women access scholarships, digital courses, mentorship, and job opportunities. Our platform provides free, inclusive resources for girls to thrive in education, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership.
NGOs like CAMFED, Plan International, and FAWEZA are championing female education and leadership, especially in underserved communities. Their work includes financial aid, menstrual hygiene support, mentorship, and advocacy training.
Programs like Girls in ICT Zambia and Asikana Network offer coding workshops, STEM education, and digital skills training to bridge the gender tech gap and inspire innovation among young Zambian women.
Empowering female youth in Zambia isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a national priority. Here are key sectors where young women are thriving:
Education & Scholarships
Many international and local organizations offer scholarships for girls, including for STEM courses, leadership programs, and tertiary education. Check our scholarships page for current opportunities.
Entrepreneurship & Business Grants
Female-led businesses in Zambia are growing, with access to funding from initiatives like the Women’s Empowerment Fund, FSD Zambia, and the Youth Empowerment Programme.
Health & Reproductive Education
NGOs and health initiatives are empowering girls with knowledge about their bodies, rights, and health — equipping them to make informed decisions and build confident futures.
Civic Leadership & Advocacy
Zambian girls are standing up for climate justice, girls’ education, and gender equality. Young female leaders are now part of youth parliaments, media, and community initiatives.
When you empower a girl, you empower a generation. Studies show that when young women are educated and economically empowered, they reinvest in their families and communities — driving long-term national development.
Zambia’s development depends on our ability to invest in its girls.
Share resources with girls in your community
Mentor or sponsor a young woman through her education
Support youth platforms like the Youth Information Hub that give equal opportunity to all genders
Advocate for policies that protect girls and promote gender equality
The future of Zambia is being built by bold, brilliant young women who refuse to be left behind. As a country, we must continue to uplift, educate, and invest in the female youth who are leading us into a stronger, more equitable future.
Let’s create a Zambia where every girl has the freedom to dream, the tools to achieve, and the power to lead.
Published on: Aug. 1, 2025, 2:20 p.m.