The Empowerment Paradox? The Long-run Impact of a Cycling Program for Girls in Zambia

This study examines the five-year impacts of a bicycle distribution program for adolescent girls in rural Zambia, implemented across 100 schools as part of a randomized controlled trial. While the program increased girls’ self-reported empowerment and reduced experiences of domestic and intimate partner violence, it also led to higher rates of early marriage - an outcome that runs counter to the program’s initial objectives. We explore mechanisms behind this paradox, including improved socioeconomic status, food security, and increased receipt of bride prices, which may reflect girls’ higher perceived value in the marriage market. Our findings suggest that girls exercise greater agency by making strategic decisions to secure higher-quality unions on the local marriage market. Our results underscore the complex interplay between empowerment, economic mobility, and local norms, and highlight the importance of accounting for potential unintended consequences when designing gender-focused development interventions.