In Zambia around 66% of children marry under the age of 15, and many of the remainder by 18. Strong peer pressure to drink alcohol, and experiment with drugs and unprotected sex, results in high incidences of HIV, sexually transmitted disease, and unwanted pregnancies.

In this episode, Carine Weiss talks to Violetta Chifunda about why young women in Zambia drop out of school and why they don't believe in themselves and therefore make wrong decisions about their sexuality. We also talk about the taboo that young men are victims of sexual assault and are not listened to in Zambia. And we talk about how mentorship empowers young women and men to successfully translate their talents and skills into start-ups to become successful entrepreneurs.

Violet Chifunda
Violet Chifunda is a journalist by profession, dedicated to amplifying voices and advocating for issues related to sexual reproductive health and rights. As a Program Coordinator for the youth-led organization, Young Women with a Vision (YWWAV), Violet channels her passion for community-driven change into innovative initiatives aimed at empowering young people. Violet's multifaceted approach, combining her roles as a journalist, advocate, and program coordinator, reflects her unwavering dedication to creating a more inclusive and empowered future for young people.

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