Young people are leading the change across Zambia

On 12 August 2021, young people across Zambia made sure their voices were heard in a national election that saw record-breaking numbers of youth turn out to vote. Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner defeating the incumbent, President Edgar Lungu, in a landslide victory by over 1 million votes, with over half of those votes coming from people under 35.

With the country’s struggling economy and rising unemployment in recent years, opportunities for young people have been limited, and girls’ rights in particular have been heavily affected. Youth activists, also part of the Girls Not Brides Zambia coalition used their votes in this election to say loud and clear that they want change.

Child marriage is another barrier that girls and young women in the country face, violating their rights, interrupting their education, and not least increasing the risk of gender-based violence. 29% of girls are reported to be married before the age of 18.

For those who are lucky to complete their secondary and tertiary education, employment prospects remain bleak. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about increased strain on households and businesses, and the growing percentage of government expenditure on debt payment has meant cuts in areas that affect young people. Many services that girls and young women rely on for support against practices like child marriage or are necessary for married girls to access (such as social services, education, health and sexual and reproductive health) were cut.

In addition to scarce opportunities for employment and new business ventures, the voices of civil society – especially those of young people – were being silenced by controlling measures to curb news and social media through cyber-legislation and suspension of media houses.

In this troubling context, young people decided to stand up and speak out, and on the 12th of August they did just that by exercising their right to vote. The election turnout was record breaking for the number of registered voters in Zambia’s history. Over 50% of the electorate were under the age of 35, demonstrating young people’s hunger to make their voices heard. This was despite challenges throughout the voting process, including lack of registration booths (especially in remote areas) and a complete internet shut down on election day.

With every new elected President and government comes promises for a brighter future. The newly elected President, Hakainde Hichilema, recognised the role of young people in the election’s outcome and promised a better future where youth will be put first. He commented: “this was your election; the energy and passion that was exhibited”.

This landmark turnout was not only a win for young people in Zambia, but it also for the entire continent. It brings the hope that change is possible and proves that with determination, strategic mobilisation and a united voice, youth have the power to lead transformational change beyond the political sphere. For the movement to end child marriage in Zambia and across the continent, this is a hopeful message that speaks to the power young people have to create change in their own lives.

As global movements continue to address social injustices like child marriage, young Zambian people have been exemplary in showcasing the difference that comes with knowing your rights and using the tools available to you to achieve your goal. Today is our moment to speak about the tomorrow that we want to see.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the Network to End Child Marriage in Zambia (NECMZ), particularly Chisha Chishimba, Muyunda Kwaleyela and Deborah Ngabwe for the invaluable contribution.