KAMPALA : In a bid to address the alarming rate of teenage pregnancies in Uganda, a coalition of NGOs is shifting its focus to engage men and boys in the conversation.
Power her Coalition, which includes organizations such as The Remnant Generation, Anthill Foundation, Wakiisa and Trailblazers, believes that involving men and boys is crucial in preventing teenage pregnancies and promoting gender equality.
“We need to engage men and boys in this conversation, because they play a critical role in preventing teenage pregnancies,” said Annabelle Nakabiri Mukisa, the Executive Director of The Remnant Generation and a leader within the coalition. “By involving them, we can promote positive masculinity and encourage them to become responsible fathers, brothers, and partners.”
The coalition is working to provide education and training programs for men and boys, aimed at promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women and girls.
“We believe that by working together with men and boys, we can create a society where girls are valued, respected, and protected,” said Elizabeth Kalemera, Executive Director of the Anthill Foundation, a member of the coalition.
The issue of teenage pregnancy is a pressing concern in Uganda, where approximately 25% of girls are pregnant or married by the age of 18.
“We need to address the root causes of teenage pregnancy, including poverty, lack of education, and cultural practices that perpetuate inequality,” Kalemera said. “By engaging men and boys, we can promote a cultural shift that values and respects girls’ rights.”
The coalition’s efforts are part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign to raise awareness and promote action to prevent violence against women and girls.
“We believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for all, where girls are valued, respected, and protected,” Mukisa said.
“The problem of teenage pregnancy and sexual abuse in Uganda is huge, According to recent research, Uganda is among the leading countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the highest rate of teenage pregnancy.” Ms. Nakabiri emphasized.
She said sadly, most of these cases are not even reported. “There are so many girls that are not accounted for in these numbers.”
The coalition on Saturday 7th December held intergenerational prayer day noting that faith based approach is also very fundamental in tackling this issue.
“In these 16 days of activism against GBV, We have come together taking quite different approach which is a faith based to tackle this issue. We are having what we call intergenerational prayer day.” She said.
“I believe that the faith based approach is also very fundamental. I think it is the foundation of transformation. Programs don’t change people. God does. And so we believe today that our gathering to pray is really getting back to the core, the foundation where identity was damaged, where perception of self worth was damaged, where understanding of who these girls really are was really messed up with based on the circumstances they have gone through.” She concluded.
