Youth chairladies tackle teenage pregnancy and poverty
Youth group leaders discussed teenage pregnancy, the cost of further education and poverty, and agreed an action plan.
The chairladies of MASYAP’s girls’ support groups met to discuss pressing issues affecting adolescent girls, and to share experiences and agree practical solutions. The meeting aimed to be a safe space for the girls to raise their concerns.
Issues discussed
- Teenage pregnancy: a serious concern in the community. Causes discussed included a lack of comprehensive sex education, limited youth-friendly health services and social norms.
- Paying for further education: many girls cannot afford tertiary education. Participants stressed the need for financial support and scholarships.
- Poverty: poverty hits young girls hardest, limiting their access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
Solutions and next steps
The chairladies proposed community-based sex education, scholarship funds for tertiary education and economic empowerment for girls. They agreed an action plan including raising awareness of teenage pregnancy, fundraising for girls’ education and working with local organisations on poverty.
