Yes I do Zambia

Deep-rooted norms and expectations of girls and boys makes families and communities feel the need to control the sexuality of girls by marrying them off. Gender inequality is putting girls in a subordinate position with regard to boys and men in (sexual) relationships. For example, girls cannot refuse to have unprotected sex and this is resulting in a high level of teenage pregnancies. Girls and boys lack a voice, as well as the support to break through these norms and practices. The means and structures available for adolescents to organise themselves and claim their rights are limited and they have little access to adolescent-friendly and good quality SRHR information and services. There are close links between EM and teenage pregnancies and girls’ lack of education. Indeed, girls’ access to education is very restricted, which makes it difficult for them to find jobs later. It also hampers their economic independence. Legislation to outlaw EM is either inadequate or is being poorly implemented.