Young Girls Educate Peers On Teenage Pregnancy In Ogun

Young girls, between the ages of 11 and 17 years have on Saturday educated their peers and community members in Magboro, Ogun state on Teenage pregnancy.

The young girls who are fellows of the HACEY and Empower Platform for Amplifying the voices and Empowerment of Girls (PAVE) project took to the streets of Magboro to talk to fellow girls on teenage pregnancy.

The girls, armed with placards and banners with various inscriptions, such as: “say no to teenage pregnancy”, “books not babies” walked the streets of the community singing.

The president of the PAVE girls, Ezekiel Joy said “today we went on a rally in our community, Magboro, to speak on teenage pregnancy as this is a common problem in our community. Many teenagers in Magboro lack access to accurate and comprehensive sexual education. This gap in knowledge leaves them ill-prepared to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Also, Economic hardship can lead to early sexual activity, as some teenagers may engage in sexual relationships for financial support. That is why we are here today to educate our peers on the issue.”

A fellow of PAVE, Adeoye Faith said, “As a community, we must recognize the critical importance of education and awareness in combating teenage pregnancy. Providing our peers with accurate information about sexual health is essential. Many teenagers simply do not have access to the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures. By implementing comprehensive sexual education programs in our schools and community centers like this, we can empower ourselves to take control of our reproductive health and avoid the life-altering consequences of early pregnancy. Together, we can create a safer, more informed community for us”.

Another fellow, Bello Deborah said, “Our strength as a community lies in our ability to come together and support one another, especially our young people who are facing significant challenges. Teenage pregnancy is not just an individual issue; it affects us all. We need to engage community leaders, parents, and youth in open, honest discussions about sexual health and the pressures teenagers face. By reducing the stigma around these conversations, we can create an environment where we children feel supported and understood.”

The facilitator of the girl’s learning session, Boluwatife Akinpelu said. “Magboro, a rapidly developing community in Ogun State, Nigeria, faces significant social challenges, one of which is the prevalence of teenage pregnancy. This issue has far-reaching implications for the health, education, and socio-economic status of young girls and the community at large. Addressing teenage pregnancy in Magboro requires a multifaceted approach, considering cultural, educational, and healthcare perspectives.”

HACEY’s Program officer, Mercy Kalu said “Teenage pregnancy is a significant issue in Magboro, a rapidly developing community in Ogun State, Nigeria. This social challenge has profound implications for the health, education, and socio-economic status of young girls and the broader community. Addressing teenage pregnancy in Magboro necessitates a comprehensive approach that takes into account cultural, educational, and healthcare perspectives.

“The implications of teenage pregnancy are extensive and multifaceted. Health risks for teenage mothers are higher, including complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Their infants are also at greater risk of low birth weight and developmental issues. Educationally, teenage pregnancy often results in school dropout, which limits future educational and employment opportunities for young mothers. This disruption perpetuates the cycle of poverty and dependency within the community. Socio-economically, teenage pregnancy contributes to the community’s challenges, increasing healthcare costs and reliance on social services. Psychologically, young mothers may experience significant stress, including feelings of shame, isolation, and anxiety about their future.

“To address teenage pregnancy effectively, enhancing sexual education is crucial. Implementing comprehensive sexual education programs in schools and community centers can provide teenagers with accurate information about contraception, sexual health, and responsible behavior. Improving access to healthcare services is also essential.

“Community engagement such as this and support play a vital role in addressing teenage pregnancy. Engaging community leaders, parents, and youth in open discussions about sexual health can reduce stigma and encourage responsible behavior.”