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Addressing Teenage Pregnancy in Sierra Leone
In the past two years we empowered young people and their care-givers to make informed choices when it comes to their sexual and reproductive health. Cordaid did this in the districts of Bombali, Kenema and Pujehun, with a total adolescent population of almost 250.000 people. In this endeavour we closely worked with local partners Health …
Teenage pregnancy after Ebola
Teenage pregnancy has long been a problem in Sierra Leone. In 2013 the country’s rate ranked among the ten highest in the world, with 28% of girls aged 15-19 pregnant or already having given birth at least once (UNFPA, 2015: 5). Anecdotal evidence points to an increase in these rates due to the Ebola crisis …
Tackling teenage pregnancy in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in West Africa. With the support of our Girl Power Project, young people are now educating their peers on the risks of becoming teen parents.
What are the causes of teenage pregnancy?
Lack of information about sexual and reproductive health and rights Inadequate access to services tailored to young people Family, community and social pressure to marry Sexual violence Child, early and forced marriage, which can be both a cause and a consequence Lack of education or dropping out of school OTHER FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY …
Child marriage is typically higher in rural areas
Child marriage is typically higher in rural areas because of greater adherence to traditional norms, a narrower range of life options, stronger community networks, lower educational opportunities, and higher levels of poverty – girls from the poorest households or those living in rural areas face twice the risk of being married before turning 18 as …
Child marriage is typically higher in rural areas Read More »
Teenage pregnancy remains a complex issue
Teenage pregnancy remains a complex issue with multiple causes and diverse consequences in our society and requires a spectrum of interventions. The increasing recognition of child marriage as a national problem in Sierra Leone – and given the strong link between child marriage and adolescent pregnancy – has led to the need to address the …