GROWING up in Zimbabwe, I've witnessed firsthand how the term "intelligence" is often used.
It's frequently associated with academic achievement, a government State security department and many other things.
But this narrow perspective overlooks the multifaceted nature of the word.
As we navigate complex socio-economic challenges, understanding the distinct roles of Intelligence Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ), Social Quotient (SQ) and Adversity Quotient (AQ) can be transformative.
I believe that if we understand these different types of intelligence, we can unlock the full potential of individuals, especially young people and empower them to thrive in various aspects of life.
Let's begin with definitions so that we all have a shared understanding of the quotients. IQ measures cognitive abilities such as problem-solving and memory. While essential, IQ isn't the sole determinant of success. EQ represents character, encompassing empathy, responsibility and humility. EQ helps individuals to maintain healthy relationships and make informed decisions. SQ reflects charisma, measuring the ability to build and maintain a network of friends and connections. SQ is vital for personal and professional growth. AQ determines resilience, measuring one's ability to navigate life's challenges without losing their grip on reality. AQ is crucial in overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success.
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As young people and youths, we are facing numerous challenges, including teenage pregnancies, for instance. High rates of teen pregnancies often result from a lack of comprehensive sex education and limited access to reproductive health services. Zimbabwe has a teenage pregnancy prevalence rate of around 33%, meaning out of a thousand girls aged between 13-19, around 330 have gotten pregnant, and these are only the recorded cases. What's even scarier is that these figures are an indicator of unprotected sexual practices. It's, therefore, imperative that by improving EQ through education and awareness, we can empower young people to make positive, informed decisions. This will allow our girls to be in a position to negotiate for safer sex, young males to understand consent, and young people in general to adopt positive attitudes towards contraception. They will develop an activated sense of reasoning and not operate from a position where they are pushed around by feelings and emotions.
We can also talk about suicides stemming from relationships, as relationship issues can be overwhelming, especially for those with low AQ. Building resilience through AQ development can help individuals to cope with emotional turmoil. Statistics indicate that for youth between the ages of 15 and 29, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death.
The most affected groups are between 13 and 30 years old, according to the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC). This is a clear indicator that there's a notable issue of AQ among young people, with one organisation, SAYWHAT, receiving around 20 suicide-related calls per month in Harare (10 from males and 5 from females).
The rampant issue of drug and substance abuse is actually a shadow pandemic. According to the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drugs Network, approximately 1 in 30 households in Zimbabwe is affected by drug abuse, translating to over 533 334 individuals nationwide. Sixty percent of psychiatric admissions are attributed to drug abuse, with 80% of these cases involving young people aged 16 to 25. Developing AQ among this age group can aid in resisting peer pressure and overcoming addiction. Strategies for young people struggling with substance abuse should consider developing their AQ to build resilience and pave the way for brighter futures. Our interventions should close the tap, not just mop the water in the room.
As if that's not enough, we can also talk about economic hardships affecting many families. The Food Poverty Line (FPL) for an individual in January 2025 was ZiG861,14, representing a 6% increase from December 2024. This is the minimum amount required for a daily intake of 2 100 calories, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat). The Total Consumption Poverty Line for an individual in January 2025 was ZiG1 255,78, up from ZiG1 156,67 in December 2024. This figure includes costs for food and essential non-food items, making it essential for individuals to develop AQ to adapt and thrive despite adversity.
Now consider a young Zimbabwean woman who becomes pregnant at 16. With high EQ, she can navigate the emotional challenges and make informed decisions about her future. If she also has high AQ, she can overcome the obstacles and build a better life for herself and her child. That’s something we try to include in our programming, in the work we do with teen mothers and pregnant adolescent girls in high-density areas. We have life skills and coaching as a mandatory subject under all the components of our empowerment pillar, whether it’s sewing, baking, hairdressing or even those taking detergent-making short courses.
SQ, on the other hand, is a vital tool for young people entering the economic landscape, enabling them to build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, competitors and friends.
SQ measures a person's social intelligence, which encompasses their ability to read social cues, communicate effectively, and empathise with others.
Individuals with high SQ are adept at navigating complex social situations, resolving conflicts and fostering positive relationships. We believe that by developing their SQ, young people can enhance their interpersonal skills, become more effective communicators and achieve their personal and professional goals.
This, in turn, can lead to greater success in their careers and more fulfilling personal relationships.
To create a community that truly utilises information for its well-being, we need to transition from information societies to knowledge societies. Providing information is a crucial first step, but it's not enough on its own. Strategies to enhance Emotional Quotient, Social Quotient, and Adversity Quotient can help. For instance, practising mindfulness and self-reflection can develop emotional awareness and improve EQ in young people. Building support networks that foster strong relationships with family, friends and mentors can also enhance SQ and AQ. Our workshops bring together people of different ages, allowing them to share experiences and build connections. By implementing these strategies, we can empower individuals to develop the skills they need to thrive in their communities.
Some effective approaches include:
Mindfulness and self-reflection: Regular mindfulness practices, such as meditation and journaling, can enhance emotional awareness and self-regulation.
Building support networks: Fostering strong relationships with family, friends and mentors can enhance SQ and AQ.
Emotional awareness exercises: Activities like emotion journaling, body scan meditation and trigger identification can help individuals to better understand their emotions and reactions.
Continuous learning: Engaging in self-reflection, seeking feedback and taking courses or workshops focused on emotional intelligence can also be beneficial.
You will realise that by adopting these strategies, individuals can develop the skills they need to navigate complex social situations, build stronger relationships and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Resilience training is a valuable strategy that helps young people to develop Adversity Quotient. Through engaging in activities that promote resilience, such as sports or volunteering, individuals build coping skills, adapt to challenges and bounce back from setbacks. Moreover, education and awareness play a critical role in enhancing Emotional Quotient, Social Quotient and AQ. By prioritising comprehensive education that includes emotional intelligence, relationships and life skills, individuals gain essential knowledge and skills. This empowers them to understand that no situation is permanent, know where to seek support, and recognise that drugs and substances are not healthy coping mechanisms for life's problems. With this foundation, individuals can navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
At the end of the day, given our Zimbabwean communities’ context, where challenges are plentiful, developing IQ, EQ, SQ, and AQ can empower young people to overcome obstacles and achieve success. There is a dire need to focus on emotional intelligence, social skills, and resilience so that young people can build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Relevant institutions and those in the development space should incorporate these strategies and understand the importance of each quotient. When we do, we will see Zimbabwe’s youth rise above adversity and thrive.
- Alfa Bothwell Gwatidzo is a Zimbabwean researcher, writer, presenter and social commentator whose work explores the intersections of culture, identity, and civic consciousness. He writes here in his personal capacity.