EmpowerHer, a group that comprising of youthfull girls has attributed the increased teenage pregnancies in Bukwo District due to lack or little knowledge about sexual reproductive health information among adolescents.
Nakivumbi Denise, 22 year old girl and a member of EmpowerHer said that access to sexual reproductive health among adolescents especially girls has remained a major challenge, and this calls for authorities to consider establishment of youth friendly corners especially at the district, sub-counties or at health facilities where young girls would go and and access accurate information about SRH.
She made the remarks while meeting a girls in Bukwo districts during EmpowerHer mentoring session. She said that through these sessions, her group impacting adolescent girls with SHR information and life skills such that they also stay in school.
Danise and her team believes that the long a girl child stays in schools, the minimum chances of getting early pregnant or being married off by her parents.
“The group that comprises of girls also encouraging fellow girls to report any cases of child marriage and Female genital mutilation.” Danise said.
She said that her group also encouraging adolescent girls to abstain from intimate relationships that could cause them to drop out of school.
Teenage pregnancy in Uganda
Teenage pregnancy in Uganda has remained a major issue, with 25% of girls aged 15–19 having a child or being pregnant.
Teenage pregnancy rate in the country varies by region, with the highest rates in the East Central, Eastern, and Karamoja regions.
Among factors associated with teenage pregnancy including, Early marriage, Poverty, sexual abuse, and others.
Statistics from ministry of health show that 34% of Ugandan girls are married before18 years, it further showed that increased poverty during the COVID-19 era has contributed to repeat pregnancies
Desipte the alarming figures, Ugandan government, partners and groups like have taken steps towards addressing teenage pregnancy.
The Enactement of laws against defilement and childhood marriages buy the government is also a step taken to fight against teenage pregnancies.
Universal primary and secondary education to keep girls in school longer also is seen as a major factor towards addressing this challenge.
Child marriage (marriage before the age of 18), occurs across many cultures and religions worldwide. While both boys and girls can be subject to child marriage, the practice affects girls disproportionally.
Despite recent declines in child marriage in some regions, the United Nations Population Fund estimates that 50 million girls in developing countries could still be at risk of being married by age 15 within the current decade.
