Imagine a network of young women, supporting each other, learning vital life skills, and becoming powerful advocates for their own health. This is the reality being built by the Winning with Women and Girls (WWW.G) project, funded by the Her Voice Fund/Y+ Global, in the Livingstone and Choma districts of Southern Province, Zambia. More than 1800 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are at the heart of this transformative initiative, experiencing firsthand the power of peer support, mentorship, and access to crucial information.

The WWW.G project isn’t just about providing services; it’s about fostering a movement. At the core of this movement is a dynamic buddy partnership program. Here, AGYW are paired one-on-one, creating a safe space to discuss sensitive SRHR topics openly and honestly. From STI/HIV prevention to debunking myths about family planning and contraception, these peer-to-peer sessions provide accurate information, empowering young women to make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures. These discussions are crucial in the fight against unsafe abortions, providing young women with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.

The project goes beyond one-on-one interactions, creating vibrant Community Hub Sessions in various community settings. These hubs become safe havens, where AGYW can connect with their peers, share experiences, and access vital SRHR information. They are places of laughter, learning, and mutual support – a true testament to the power of community.

But the real magic happens through the project’s robust mentorship program. Operating within schools and communities, this program isn’t just about guidance; it’s about creating a sustainable cycle of empowerment. AGYW participate in mentorship sessions, learning from and supporting each other. The most inspiring part? These mentees eventually become mentors themselves, passing on their knowledge and lighting the way for future generations of young women. Combined with comprehensive life skills sessions that cover everything from self-confidence and decision-making to negotiation and SRHR awareness, these young women are equipped to navigate their lives with confidence and resilience.

The impact of the WWW.G project is amplified by its strong foundation. Advocacy training empowers AGYW to become effective voices for change within their communities. Their participation in District and Regional Adolescent Health Indabas provides a platform to engage directly with health providers and policymakers, ensuring that their needs are heard and addressed. Strategic partnerships with the Ministries of Education and Health further extend the project’s reach, integrating SRHR awareness and sensitization sessions into schools.

The true measure of the project’s success lies in the stories of the young women whose lives it has touched.Here are some of the stories shared by mentees:

“18-year-old Natasha from Mwapona Community shared how the Community Hub sessions gave her the confidence to discuss family planning with her boyfriend and parents separately, two conversations she previously felt unable to have. She now feels empowered to make informed choices about her reproductive health.”

Another one is about the advocacy training empowered that empowered Susan to speak at the District Health Indaba in Kalomo where, where she bravely shared her experience of accessing youth-friendly SRHR services, prompting a positive dialogue with local health officials.” another success story highlighting the mentorship program, is one for  Teresa

“After participating in the mentorship program, Teresa became a mentor herself, supporting younger girls in her community and sharing her knowledge about SRHR. She feels proud to be empowering the next generation.”

The WWW.G project is more than just an initiative; it’s an investment in the future. By combining peer support, life skills training, advocacy opportunities, strong partnerships, safe community spaces, and a sustainable mentorship program, the WWW.G project is empowering a generation of young women to take control of their health, shape their destinies, and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.