South Africa’s (SA) Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has called on teenage boys and girls, parents, educators and communities to intensify efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancies.
The department says teenage pregnancy continues to undermine the health, education and future prospects of young people across the country. Recent statistics indicate a steady rise in teenage pregnancies, a trend highlighted by the growing number of teenage mothers who gave birth on Christmas Day.
Department Spokesperson Cassius Selala says empowering teenage girls with knowledge, self-confidence and adequate support is critical in helping them make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures. He adds that teenage boys must also be actively engaged to understand that responsibility, respect and accountability are central to healthy relationships and life choices.
Selala says adolescent pregnancy remains a serious social and developmental challenge, often leading to interrupted schooling, increased dropout rates, limited economic opportunities, and heightened vulnerability to poverty and gender-based violence.
–SABC–
