Rapes fuel teen pregnancies
The factors contributing to the high rate of teenage pregnancy in Namibia include traditional norms, low levels of education, limited information about and access to contraceptives, and sexual abuse because of physical and financial vulnerability.
Early and unintended pregnancies (EUP) remain a huge challenge for Namibia, with a pregnancy and childbearing prevalence of 19% among girls aged 15 to 19.
At least 40% of pregnancies in this age group were a result of non-consensual sex (rape or statutory rape).
These were the remarks of Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum, Unesco representative to Namibia, when he opened a media workshop in Windhoek on Monday.
He said the factors that contribute to the high rate of teenage pregnancy in Namibia include traditional norms, low levels of education, limited information about and access to contraceptives, and sexual abuse because of physical and financial vulnerability. Alcohol abuse by learners, which could result in risky sexual behaviour, is another factor.
“In addition, parents are unable to educate their children about sexuality because they lack resources, are uncertain of what to say or because they feel uncomfortable discussing the subject with them,” he said.
The media training was held ahead of the launch of a national EUP campaign by the education ministry tomorrow.
The campaign is part of the eastern and southern Africa (ESA) ministerial commitment, which was endorsed in December 2013 by ministers of education and health in the ESA region.
One of the targets of the ESA commitment was to reduce EUP by 75% by the year 2020.
The campaign will focus on education, health and rights.
A study commissioned just after this commitment revealed that teen pregnancy in the region is very high, with at least 15% of girls between 15 and 19 having been pregnant.
The Unesco report found that early and unintended pregnancies usually occur among rural girls who have no or only primary school education.
It said the EUP rate in Namibia rose from 15% in 2006 to 19% in 2013. In Tanzania, the rate grew from 23% in 2010 to 26.7% in 2015.
There is a correlation between lower age and an increased risk of adverse health and social consequences for the mother and her newborn.
“Early and unplanned pregnancy has a major impact on educational outcomes of adolescents, especially adolescent girls. The Education Management Information System (EMIS) of 2017 reported 1 935 girls dropped out of school due to pregnancy. Adolescents who become pregnant face a host of challenges to remain in school and achieve educational milestones,” said Moussa-Elkadhum.
[email protected]
JEMIMA BEUKES
At least 40% of pregnancies in this age group were a result of non-consensual sex (rape or statutory rape).
These were the remarks of Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum, Unesco representative to Namibia, when he opened a media workshop in Windhoek on Monday.
He said the factors that contribute to the high rate of teenage pregnancy in Namibia include traditional norms, low levels of education, limited information about and access to contraceptives, and sexual abuse because of physical and financial vulnerability. Alcohol abuse by learners, which could result in risky sexual behaviour, is another factor.
“In addition, parents are unable to educate their children about sexuality because they lack resources, are uncertain of what to say or because they feel uncomfortable discussing the subject with them,” he said.
The media training was held ahead of the launch of a national EUP campaign by the education ministry tomorrow.
The campaign is part of the eastern and southern Africa (ESA) ministerial commitment, which was endorsed in December 2013 by ministers of education and health in the ESA region.
One of the targets of the ESA commitment was to reduce EUP by 75% by the year 2020.
The campaign will focus on education, health and rights.
A study commissioned just after this commitment revealed that teen pregnancy in the region is very high, with at least 15% of girls between 15 and 19 having been pregnant.
The Unesco report found that early and unintended pregnancies usually occur among rural girls who have no or only primary school education.
It said the EUP rate in Namibia rose from 15% in 2006 to 19% in 2013. In Tanzania, the rate grew from 23% in 2010 to 26.7% in 2015.
There is a correlation between lower age and an increased risk of adverse health and social consequences for the mother and her newborn.
“Early and unplanned pregnancy has a major impact on educational outcomes of adolescents, especially adolescent girls. The Education Management Information System (EMIS) of 2017 reported 1 935 girls dropped out of school due to pregnancy. Adolescents who become pregnant face a host of challenges to remain in school and achieve educational milestones,” said Moussa-Elkadhum.
[email protected]
JEMIMA BEUKES
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