Adolescent pregnancy and marriage contribute to high school dropout rates. Girls who drop out of school early tend to have poorer health indicators than those who continue with their education. Early and unwanted pregnancies pose significant risks to teenage mothers and their children thereby increasing the likelihood of maternal and infant mortality. One in four young women give birth before age 18 in East and Southern Africa. An estimated 6 million pregnant and parenting girls are out of school and are facing increased risks of HIV, mental health challenges, and poor educational outcomes.
In a shared commitment to addressing the challenges faced by adolescent mothers and finding inclusive solutions that prioritize their dignity and rights the INERELA+ Executive Director Munya Mandipaza participated in webinar hosted by UNESCO ON the 2nd of July 2025. During the session key challenges that adolescent mothers face daily, including limited knowledge of childcare, lack of support and childcare, social judgment, stigma, discrimination, poverty, economic dependence on family or partners, and pressure to enter transactional relationships for support were discussed.
Sheila Bvumbwe Kantsonyo the Secretary of a Mother Group promoting education at Mwanza Secondary School in Malawi shared their work with school management and teachers to address stigma and discrimination that adolescent mothers face. They provide emotional, and material support such as books, uniforms and finances to help adolescent mothers return to school and to overcome daily difficulties.
Anne Gachoya, Director of Education at Kenya’s Ministry of Education shared Kenya’s policy for automatic re-admission of adolescent mothers which ensures girls are supported with:
✅ Flexible school schedules for breastfeeding
✅ Assistance to join a school of choice
✅ Facilitation of antenatal and postnatal care
✅ The 4Ts program (Trace, Track, Talk, Return)
✅ Vocational training and rescue homes for vulnerable girls
Shanice Kasura, Programme Officer for UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office indicated that UNICEF is actively addressing the issue across the Eastern and Southern African region.
UNICEF’s comprehensive approach spans:
✅ Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS),
✅Multisectoral referrals and linkages with case management
✅ Parenting and early childhood development,
✅ Ensuring adolescent-responsive service delivery through multisectoral referrals.
✅Return to learning and economic opportunities
The INERELA+ Executive Director emphasized the importance of providing information on sexual and reproductive health to adolescents and young adults as it helps reduce high rates of early pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. She highlighted that INERELA+ Religious Leaders promote Comprehensive Sexuality Education with the aim of safeguarding adolescents and young people to become self-reliant, healthy, resilient, and to have the ability to fully realize their potential thereby contributing to the development of their community, country, and region.
The full recording of the webinar can be accessed through the link below: