Teenage Pregnancy in Sierra Leone

Teenage pregnancy is a major issue in Sierra Leone. According to statistics gathered by UNICEF and Sierra Leone's Demographic and Health Survey, 13 per cent of girls are married by their 15th birthday and 39 per cent of girls before their 18th birthday. 

During the COVID-19 lock down period in my community, I noticed at least 10 teenagers who are pregnant. I was fortunate to chat with a few and Fomie Bangura is one of them. 

“I was raped," she stated. “He promised me some money to help with my studies and raped me when I visited him to collect the money. I was asked out of the house by my parents. I had to go stay with my grandmother. I stopped attending school and started selling (fana makit). 


I also spoke to Aminata Bangura (photo inset). She works for Save the Children Sierra Leone. According to her, peer pressure, other influences, and poverty are some of the reasons leading to teenage pregnancy. She also mentioned that teenage girls face lots of constraints. They suffer from stigmatization and most times become drop outs from school.

Aminatta said to cut down on the high rate of teenage pregnancy in Murray Town, workshops should be conducted regularly to sensitize young girls in the community about sex education.

Kadijatu Bah is a third-year social work student at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. She is the inaugural recipient of the Hannah Deen for Social Care Scholarship Award. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Women’s Day 2022: Ignite Power’s all-women team electrified 60 Health Clinics in Sierra Leone

Image
This year, the UN theme for International Women's Day is “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow” which recognizes the contribution of women and girls to build a more sustainable future for all. There is no doubt gender equality sits at the heart of a sustainable future, and that solar energy has a vital role in establishing both. With gender equality being at the core of its operations throughout Africa, Ignite Power is impacting millions of women, customers, and employees alike. This week, the company announced the conclusion of an extensive electrification project in Sierra Leone, providing 60 remote clinics and health facilities with lightning and electricity, with installations and end-user training done by an all-women team. The project was executed for We Care Solar, a global organization working to electrify last-mile health clinics and reduce maternal mortality in developing regions. The project is part of the Light Every Birth initiative by We Care Solar, aiming
Read more

COVID-19 vaccination rollout begins in Sierra Leone

Image
  Sierra Leone's Ministry of Health and Sanitation has issued a public notice about its COVID-19 vaccination drive. According to the notice, the first phase began on Monday, March  22, and will continue through Wednesday, March 31. Target beneficiaries are below: Health care workers (Public & Private) Every Health care worker irrespective of age. Military Officers Age 40 years and above Police Officers Age 40 years and above Fire Force Officers Age 40 years and above Prison Officers Age 40 years and above Teachers (Public & Private) Age 40 years and above Lecturers and Instructors (Public & Private) Age 40 years and above Social Workers Age 40 years and above Custom & Immigration Officers Age 40 years and above General Public Age 70 years and above The following health facilities have been designated as vaccination sites:  BOMBALI  Makeni Gov’t Hospital  Kamabai CHC KONO  Koidu Gov’t Hospital  UMC Jiama Sewafe MOYAMBA  Moyamba Gov’t Hospital  Njala University
Read more

Kadijatu 'KJ' Bah explores her role as a Social Worker

Image
Kadijatu 'KJ' Bah is a third-year student at Fourah Bay College. KJ was also the inaugural recipient of the Hannah Deen for Social Care Scholarship Award, funded by 9River Media, in January 2020. This August, KJ wrote about teenage pregnancy during the COVID-19 lockdown period,  peer pressure, and poverty.  In her second interview, KJ continues her conversations with young people in her coastal community in western Freetown, Sierra Leone. Listen to what the Save the Children Sierra Leone volunteer says about the negative impact of the pandemic on children and families.   Other articles by Kadijatu 'KJ' Bah Teenage Pregnancy in Sierra Leone
Read more