Ending Child Marriage & Teenage Pregnancy
Zambia | Ending Child marriage and Teenage Pregnancy – Petauke Shifters | 2024
Muli bwanji!
We are the Petauke Shifters, a youth-led movement fighting to end child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Zambia. In 2024, we launched a campaign to challenge harmful social norms, educate communities, and promote open conversations about sexual and reproductive health. Our mission? To empower young people with knowledge, encourage open dialogue between parents and children, and break taboos that fuel child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
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18 to 24 years old
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The Right-Sized Problem
In Petauke and surrounding areas, traditional beliefs, myths, and a lack of sexual health education have fueled high rates of teenage pregnancy and early marriage. Many parents avoid discussions on sexual health, leaving young people misinformed and vulnerable. Without access to accurate information and support, thousands of girls are forced into early marriages each year, ending their education and limiting their futures.
What did we do?
Over one year and seven months, we implemented a grassroots awareness campaign, reaching thousands across rural communities, schools, and social media.
Offline Impact
🎤 Roadshows & Edutainment – Performed drama, poetry, and quizzes in local communities, using entertainment to educate and engage.
📢 Placard Messaging – Displayed bold messages in 22 hotspot areas to spark conversations about teenage pregnancy and child marriage.
👥 Community Dialogues – Hosted discussions with parents, youth, and local leaders, encouraging open conversations about reproductive health.
Online & Media Impact
📱 Social Media Campaigns – Shared educational content & campaign updates on Save the Children Zambia platforms, reaching 25,000 people.
📢 Community Role Models – Showcased Shifters as role models, inspiring more young people to take action.
Explore Our Campaign Content:
🔗 Facebook Page
Impact in Numbers
Teenage pregnancy rates dropped from 25 cases per month to 8 per month.
22 hotspot areas reached, surpassing the initial target of 20.
25,000 people engaged through offline & online awareness efforts.
New partnership with the Ministry of Health’s Adolescent Health Unit to support long-term advocacy.
Campaign Impact
A major shift occurred when parents in the community started sending their children to join the Petauke Shifters, recognizing them as role models for good behavior and change. The demand for more youth to participate has grown, showing that Shift’s impact is shaping a new generation of informed, empowered young people.
What’s Next?
We are committed to sustaining our impact by:
📌 Continuing awareness campaigns in more rural areas.
📌 Strengthening partnerships with health & education institutions.
📌 Encouraging more youth to take leadership roles in ending child marriage.
Follow our journey:
📍 Facebook: Save the Children Zambia
