A recent University of Cape Town study has raised concerns about increasing alcohol consumption among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa. While alcohol abuse has traditionally been
associated with men, experts say changing social norms, peer pressure, mental health challenges, social media influence, unemployment and exposure to trauma may be driving more young
females towards drinking. What is behind this trend, and what are the long-term consequences for young women&#39;s health, safety and future opportunities? Tonight, we unpack the social, economic and psychological factors contributing to alcohol use among girls and young women, and explore what families, schools, communities and policymakers can do to address the problem before it becomes a
bigger public health crisis.

A recent University of Cape Town study has raised concerns about&nbsp;increasing alcohol consumption among adolescent girls and young&nbsp;women in South Africa. While alcohol abuse has traditionally been associated with men, experts say changing social norms, peer&nbsp;pressure, mental health challenges, social media influence,&nbsp;unemployment and exposure to trauma may be driving more young females towards drinking. What is behind this trend, and what are&nbsp;the long-term consequences for young women&amp;#39;s health, safety and&nbsp;future opportunities? Tonight, we unpack the social, economic and&nbsp;psychological factors contributing to alcohol use among girls and&nbsp;young women, and explore what families, schools, communities and&nbsp;policymakers can do to address the problem before it becomes a bigger public health crisis.

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope