Kabangwe Creative Initiative Association

Strengthening livelihoods and resilience among adolescent girls and young women

Chazanga and its surrounding communities are densely populated peri-urban settlements in the northern part of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital. These areas are marked by high poverty and unemployment, with limited access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation. Home to a large population of adolescents and young people, life in these communities is shaped by entrenched gender norms, economic hardship, and a lack of opportunity.

Girls and young women are particularly affected. Low levels of education, limited access to reproductive health information, and persistent poverty contribute to high rates of teenage pregnancy and early marriage. Without access to skills training or job opportunities, many become financially dependent on families or male partners. At the same time, inadequate youth-friendly health services restrict their ability to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

With support from Egmont, Kabangwe Creative Initiative Association (KCIA) is working to strengthen the economic independence and social resilience of adolescent girls and young women in and around Chazanga.

To increase financial independence, 250 of the most vulnerable girls and young women are being enrolled in savings groups, where they receive ongoing mentorship in financial literacy, savings, and entrepreneurship. These sessions equip participants with the knowledge and skills to build sustainable livelihoods. Of these, 150 are receiving additional support to launch small businesses and group income-generating projects.

To improve emotional well-being, awareness sessions at four health facilities are providing pregnant and breastfeeding adolescents with strategies to manage distress, stigma, and mental health challenges. The project also works with local health facilities to integrate mental health support into maternal and child health services.

To extend this impact, 15 young people are being trained as peer mentors, offering basic counselling and mental health support to their peers. These mentors are also leading the creation of support groups for young people across the community.