2024 Survey Highlights: Mothers Without Borders’ “Be That Girl” Program in Zambia
LUSAKA, Zambia — Mothers Without Borders (MWB), one of Be That Girl partners, is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to educational and empowerment initiatives for vulnerable communities. MWB just released its 2024 survey findings from the “Be That Girl” (BTG) program. Designed for girls and young women aged 10 to 25, the programme helps participants complete their secondary and tertiary education, promoting increased personal agency through mentoring, strengthening leadership skills, and enhancing their knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH).
Since the program’s inception, MWB has collaborated with local schools, health clinics, and community leaders to deliver targeted mentorship, workshops, and resources to the young women in the programme. This multifaceted approach addresses critical gaps in health education, fosters gender equality, and supports girls in overcoming the social and economic barriers they often face.
Drawing on responses from 105 participants across the Greater Lusaka Area, the 2024 survey highlights notable progress made over the past year, while also pointing to areas where broader community engagement and targeted policy efforts can accelerate impact. Below is an overview of the program’s key findings, compared with 2023 data, followed by an examination of their wider implications.
Improved Knowledge of Health Topics
Before the program, 42% of respondents rated their SRH knowledge as “Good” or “Very Good.” Upon completion, the number surged to 75%. In 2023, the same figure increased from 40% to 68%, indicating a sustained impact. By providing clear information on contraception, menstrual health, and consent, BTG helps participants make informed choices about their well-being.
Confidence in Achieving Dreams
A significant 94% of participants now believe they can achieve any goal they set, up from 88% last year. This elevated self-belief often correlates with greater motivation in academics and broader career ambitions, ultimately fostering increased leadership potential within local communities.
Empowered to Decide on Education and Careers
An impressive 97% of girls report feeling empowered to guide their educational and professional paths, compared to 91% in 2023. In environments where social norms sometimes limit women’s career ambitions, this steady rise points to the influence of supportive mentorship and skills training on long-term opportunities.
Comfort in Sharing Opinions
Data show 81% of participants feel comfortable expressing their views—whether in school, with peers, or within their communities— a climb from 75% in 2023. By encouraging open dialogue, BTG fosters a cohort of young women more inclined to advocate for their needs and being active in their communities.
Understanding Consent
A clear comprehension of consent is critical to fostering respectful relationships. This year’s findings reveal that 91% of respondents can confidently explain consent to others, compared to 84% previously. By normalizing discussions around consent, BTG contributes to safer social environments where girls and young women can assert their rights.
Access to SRHR Services
A total of 78% of participants are now aware of where to access SRHR services—such as contraception and STI testing—versus 71% in 2023. Increased awareness typically results in proactive health management, reducing vulnerabilities related to unplanned pregnancies and untreated infections.
Menstrual Hygiene Management
A notable 96% of girls learned about menstrual hygiene management, up from 89% a year ago. This surge reflects BTG’s effectiveness in addressing a topic that, when ignored, can lead to stigma, lower school attendance, and preventable health issues.
Community Perception of Gender Equality
56% of respondents label their community’s acceptance of gender equality as moderate (up from 48% in 2023), and only 22% rate it as high and 5% as very high, pointing to ongoing cultural and systemic barriers for girls. MWB underscores that sustained advocacy is essential to accelerate change in this area.
Changes in Views on Gender Roles
This year, 73.3% of participants report a considerable or complete transformation in how they perceive gender roles, improving from 66% in 2023. Such attitudinal shifts are key for prompting structural changes—both at home and in broader society—where traditional norms may previously have gone unchallenged.
Confidence in Dealing with Future Challenges
Lastly, 86.7% of participants feel equipped to handle future obstacles, a jump from 79% in 2023. This enhanced confidence highlights the strength of BTG’s holistic approach, which includes leadership training, problem-solving skills, and resilience-building activities.
Broader Context and Next Steps
These findings underscore the multi-dimensional impact of the “Be That Girl” program, highlighting how quality education and mentoring can influence a wide range of factors—from personal health to societal perceptions of gender equality. By equipping girls with comprehensive knowledge of SRH, bolstering their confidence, and fostering open discussions about traditionally sensitive topics, we are creating pathways for them to exercise greater autonomy and leadership within their communities.
Despite the notable improvements shown in this year’s data, persistent challenges remain. Cultural norms can still constrain progress, particularly where community acceptance of gender equality remains moderate. Additionally, while many participants have demonstrated significant growth in confidence and self-advocacy, there are still girls within the program who need more support to fully believe in themselves and their potential. One of the greatest benefits of studies like this is the ability to identify gaps in service delivery and ensure that those who need more support receive it.
Mothers Without Borders and the Be That Girl Foundation remain committed to reaching these girls and strengthening the impact of the Be That Girl program through the following strategies:
Enhanced Mentorship Networks and Strategic Partnerships: Engaging peer educators, local community leaders, and government agencies to support continuous learning and dialogue around SRH, leadership, education, and life skills.
Strengthening Mentorship Resources: Collaborating with curriculum developers to distribute a Be That Girl handbook with key learning materials designed to empower girls in their education, leadership, and personal development.
Building Community Engagement and Career Pathways: Fostering community support for girls’ education while also expanding connections with partners who can provide work experience and technology training. This approach ensures that girls not only stay in school but also gain practical skills that prepare them for future careers.
By strengthening these pillars, Mothers without Borders aims to deepen the effectiveness of the BTG Program and foster an environment where girls and young women are holistically empowered to shape their futures. Ultimately, we believe that with the right combination of mentorship, skill-building, and local collaboration, these adolescent leaders can not only drive positive changes in their own lives but also contribute meaningfully to the well-being and development of their communities.
2023 vs. 2024 Survey Highlights
All statistics are based on the “Be That Girl” 2024 Survey, conducted by Mothers Without Borders among 105 participants in the Greater Lusaka Area.