President Hakainde Hichilema has urged young women to avoid relationships with significantly older men, warning that such arrangements often place girls at risk and can disrupt their education and personal development.
Speaking during Youth Day celebrations in Solwezi, President Hichilema delivered a direct message to young women, cautioning them against situations in which older men pursue relationships with school-going girls or young women who are still building their future.
The President said such relationships frequently lead to exploitation, with young women sometimes left to face the consequences alone. He told the gathering that older men who become involved with young girls often do not take responsibility for the long-term impact of those relationships.
President Hichilema urged young women to remain focused on their education and personal ambitions. He said education and skills development offer the strongest pathway for young people to build stable and productive lives.
The Youth Day commemorations in Solwezi brought together young people, community leaders and government representatives to discuss issues affecting Zambia’s youth population. President Hichilema used the occasion to address a range of social concerns affecting young citizens.
During his address, the President emphasised that young people must make choices that protect their future opportunities. He said education should remain a priority for girls and boys alike as they prepare to contribute to national development.
President Hichilema told the gathering that young women should not allow themselves to be drawn into relationships that may compromise their goals. He encouraged girls to pursue education and personal development rather than becoming dependent on relationships with older partners.
Youth Day celebrations often serve as a platform for leaders to address issues affecting young people, including education, employment and social wellbeing. The President’s remarks formed part of broader discussions about the challenges facing Zambia’s youth.
The President also emphasised the importance of parental and community support in protecting young people. Families and community leaders, he said, have a responsibility to guide young citizens and help them make decisions that support their wellbeing.
President Hichilema said young people should remain confident in their ability to shape their own future. He encouraged them to develop skills, pursue education and participate actively in the country’s development.
The address reflected broader concerns about social pressures that can affect young people, particularly girls who may face challenges balancing education, relationships and economic pressures.
Youth Day events across the country provided opportunities for young people to engage with national leaders and discuss issues that influence their lives. The Solwezi celebrations highlighted themes of empowerment, responsibility and opportunity.
President Hichilema said Zambia’s future depends on a generation of young people who are prepared to make responsible decisions and contribute positively to society.
He urged young women to remain focused on their ambitions and to avoid situations that could undermine their education and long-term prospects.
The President said young citizens should recognise their potential and work toward building a future based on education, discipline and determination.
Ageism should not be encouraged.
No one over 18 years of age is too young to know what they are doing. As RB’s mother said, ‘Mwanakazi ochepa?’
What is Zambia’s consent age? 16 or 18?
And voting age?
You have been advised …give me money for hair..my nails look bad…school fees are due…rent has gone up…I have no fuel in my car…an child adult …lekeni go to your size broke like you and start from scratch..
You should have laws protecting people in a relationship even if its not marriage. In the UK even girlfriends are protected. You just can’t abandon a partner.
“such relationships frequently lead to exploitation, with young women sometimes left to face the consequences alone” This just means you haven’t done your job. You haven’t passed necessary required laws because you are too obsessed with Bill 7.
Politics of survival.
You should have laws protecting people in a relationship even if its not marriage. In the UK even girlfriends are protected. You just can’t abandon a partner.
“such relationships frequently lead to exploitation, with young women sometimes left to face the consequences alone”
This just means you haven’t done your job. You haven’t passed necessary laws because you are too obsessed with Bill 27.
Ni Politics of survival.