Developing Economic Empowerment Skills for Young Women

A research project conducted in Zambia reveals that young women can use their economic power more effectively by learning negotiation skills. Groups of girls aged 12 and 13 received a total of 12 hours of negotiation training over three weeks. The results obtained after this training were remarkably positive.

The project is part of a study conducted by American female academics for over a decade. Young women who received training gained significant benefits such as continuing their education for a longer period, graduating from university, and reducing the likelihood of marrying at a much older age. Comparisons with the control group clearly demonstrated the long-term effects of this training.

Prof. Corinne Low, who leads the project, states that the Zambian government initiated this study to understand the reasons why girls do not continue to secondary school. Focus group discussions in the initial phase revealed that the girls were not bored with school, but rather could not convince their families to pay for school fees. Therefore, the idea emerged that girls needed to develop their negotiation skills.

Low emphasizes that the most important lesson in negotiations is to understand the other party's perspective and to solve problems together. The content of the training also includes the need to respect existing hierarchies. In the cultural context of Zambia, emphasis has been placed on ways to help young women strengthen their relationships with their families. Surveys show that families report that girls are more respectful and help more with household chores.

The success of the project has not been limited to Zambia, as it has started to be implemented in different countries as well. Particularly in Afghanistan, the curriculum adapted for young women living under Taliban rule helps them manage their mental health and gain small freedoms. This type of negotiation shows how important it is for young women to advocate for their own needs.