Teenage/Adolescent pregnancies refers to pregnancies carried by adolescent girls especially between the age of 10 and 19years. In Kenya, the rates of teenage pregnancies are high at 18% which translates to 1 in every 5 girls being expectant or being a teenage mother.
The leading cause attributed to the teenage pregnancies by various studies is poverty. However, the question is on what leads to the other. Does poverty lead to teenage pregnancies or do teenage pregnancies lead to poverty?
The answers to both questions are correct as both are interrelated. Of importance to all of us however, is how to reduce the poverty whether it is leading to or has been caused by teenage pregnancies. Studies estimate that in Kenya, around 13000 girls drop out of school every year due to teenage pregnancy related problems. This translates to around 277 girls per County. 45 girls per constituency and 9 girls per ward.
The ripple effect of this menace is high levels of poverty among affected families since in many cases, education of the girls comes to an end. The poor parents find themselves taking care of their children and their grandchildren. In several instances, this has made life difficult to an extent of the families lacking the most basic needs. This vicious cycle continues as the children born to the teenagers may not get quality education and may end up getting trapped in teenage pregnancies too.
To reduce poverty, the society must address the issue of teenage pregnancies. At the community level, let community leaders including parents overcome the cultural barriers that hinder creating awareness on this topic and speak up to girls on how to avoid the adolescent pregnancies.
Informed girls will be empowered girls who will transform the society.
DAISY KOSGEY
Founder, Dear Little Sister Foundation and Author, Dear Little Sister Novel
Wow ! This is exquisitely examplary . The world lacked this motion ,you have started it ,it’s gaining momentum and soon the world will be the best place for our girls
Thank you John.