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Centre for International Health

The effectiveness of a girl empowerment programme on early childbearing, marriage and school dropout in Rural Zambia

This trial with 4,900 participants aims to measure the effect of economic support and community dialogue on early child-bearing rates in rural Zambia.

Two girls sitting at a desk in a class room.
Photo:
istock/epicurean

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Research Initiative to Support the Empowerment of girls

Adolescent pregnancies pose a risk to young mothers and their babies. In Zambia, 35% of young girls in rural areas have given birth by the age of 18. Poverty, low secondary school enrolment, myths and community norms regarding education, early marriage, fertility and contraceptive use all contribute to early childbearing.

Read more about the project.