On March 8, the students of Entebbe Girls Secondary School joined the rest of the world to commemorate International Women’s Day, thanks to Family Medical Point, a dedicated healthcare organization, that had organized a school outreach program to empower young girls with essential knowledge on sexual and reproductive health.

The program’s ambitious goal is to equip these young girls with the knowledge and confidence they need to take control of their own lives and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Uganda continues to face the challenge of high teenage pregnancy rates, which have persisted at 25 per cent for two decades, as reported in the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey.

This issue is particularly acute in vulnerable fishing communities like Kigungu, where socio-economic factors increase the risk of early pregnancies. Polyne Nabwire, head of programs at Family Medical Point says many of these young girls are forced to confront the harsh realities of unsafe abortions and school dropouts, with alarming statistics showing that 22.3 per cent of girls aged 14-18 leave school due to pregnancy.

“In line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,’ we emphasize the urgent need to ensure every girl, regardless of background, has access to education, healthcare, and equal opportunities,” said Nabwire.

She added that investing in girls today secures a healthier, more equitable future for all. She said this is a critical issue that affects not only the girls but also their families and communities and providing them with accurate information and resources, they’re able to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures and recognize their potential beyond societal limitations.

The students shared their own perspectives and experiences on the challenges they face as young girls in Uganda.

The head prefect at Entebbe Girls Secondary School, Namuleme Nahia Naha, spoke candidly about the risks of teenage pregnancy and the importance of abstaining from sex until marriage.

“When discussing teenage pregnancies, I consider them unexpected pregnancies, occurring when girls are not emotionally or financially prepared to care for themselves,” Naha said.

“These pregnancies often affect girls between 13 and 20 years old. What causes teenage pregnancies? Several factors contribute, including early marriages, materialism, poverty, permissiveness, and cultural beliefs. In Uganda, many people struggle financially, making it difficult for girls to access basic necessities,” Naha said.

“This can lead to desperation, causing girls to engage in risky behaviour, such as sleeping with men, resulting in teenage pregnancies.”

She advised her fellow girls to abstain from sex until the right time comes.

“Being religious and praying to God can also provide guidance and self-control. As a Muslim, I’ve been taught to abstain from sex before marriage, which helps prevent teenage pregnancies.” Florence Nabalanzi, a senior four candidate, shared her thoughts on the challenges faced by girls in Uganda.

“While some girls may be unaware of the risks, many of us know the consequences of engaging in early sex,” Nabalanzi said. “However, due to various reasons, some girls feel forced to make difficult choices as a means of survival.”

She added, “With limited education and idle time, these girls become easy targets for manipulation. I urge parents to foster open relationships with their children, creating a safe space for us to share our challenges.”

The students’ submissions were a powerful reminder of the challenges they face every day. But they also spoke of hope and resilience, of the determination to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Claire Twesigye, programme director at FABs Girls and Women highlighted the unique struggles faced by girls in fishing communities like Kigungu, where they are often exposed to men and related vices.

Twesigye stressed the importance of education in empowering girls to protect themselves against teenage pregnancies and build a brighter future.

“In Uganda, teenage pregnancy rates are alarmingly high,” Twesigye said. “According to the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, 25% of girls aged 15-19 have begun childbearing. This is a staggering statistic, and it’s clear that we need to do more to support our girls.”

Twesigye emphasized that education is key in empowering girls to protect themselves against teenage pregnancies and build a brighter future.

“As empowered women, it’s our responsibility to empower the next generation. We must provide unbiased information to enable girls to make informed decisions,” she said.

Esther Juliet Apio, team leader of Voices for Health and Development, discussed menstrual health and hygiene with the students. She explained that girls in fishing communities and landing sites are vulnerable to period poverty, leading to missed schools and dropouts.

“Girls in fishing communities and landing sites are vulnerable to period poverty, leading to missed schools and dropouts,” Apio said.

“We’re committed to reaching the most vulnerable girls, providing them with sustainable solutions like menstrual cups, and educating them on menstrual hygiene and health.”

Apio emphasized that the focus of Voices for Health and Development goes beyond just providing products; they aim to empower girls to speak up against period stigma, embracing their femininity, and addressing emotional issues attached to menstruation.

Cedikol Enock, manager of Service Delivery at Family Medical Point, reiterated the significance of supporting girls in their education and well-being.

“During adolescence, the body and reproductive system are still developing. As a result, it can be challenging for the reproductive organs to support a pregnancy to full term.” Enock highlighted the complications that can arise from teenage pregnancies, including premature deliveries or obstructed labor and potential fistulas due to difficult deliveries.

“Uganda continues to face the challenge of high teenage pregnancy rates, which have persisted at 25% for two decades,” Enock said.