World Bank2025-08-252025-08-252025-08-25https://hdl.handle.net/10986/43637Girls and young women in Sub-Saharan Africa face multiple, inter-related challenges. In Zimbabwe, the odds are stacked against too many girls from an early age. The survey explores the aspirations and challenges faced by girls and young women aged 15 to 35, revealing that while eighty percent dream of higher education and careers in sectors like manufacturing, retail, and healthcare, financial constraints - cited by over eighty percent, remain a major barrier. Despite progressive views on gender equality, especially in education and reproductive rights, traditional norms persist, particularly in rural areas, where domestic roles, male-dominated careers, and acceptance of male authority still influence decisions. Fear of social judgment further discourages girls from pursuing higher-earning opportunities, even though societal norms are more progressive than they perceive, indicating a need to correct these misperceptions. The survey also highlights the critical role of family, especially parents and spouses, in shaping girls’ decisions, emphasizing that their involvement in empowerment programs is essential for meaningful change.en-USCC BY-NC 3.0 IGOWOMEN AND GIRLSWOMENS' EMPOWERMENTHIGHER EDUCATIONSOCIAL JUDGEMENTBriefWorld Bank