The Situation of Girls and Adolescents in Kenya
The social and economic situation of adolescent girls in Kenya; which is not far removed from the rest of the world’s adolescent girls; it is also complex and influenced by various factors. Cultural laws and norms often limit their rights and opportunities.
Teen girls in Kenya
The social and economic situation of adolescent girls in Kenya; which is not far removed from the rest of the world’s adolescent girls; it is also complex and influenced by various factors. Cultural laws and norms often limit their rights and opportunities.
Poverty is a determining factor in the lives of many girls. Lack of resources prevents many girls from attending school. They are disadvantaged at all stages of education and find it difficult to learn, which makes them recede and plunges them deeper into poverty.
The Rural Community
The rural community has a negative attitude towards girls’ education and believes it is optional. Girls stay home and provide labor to herd goats and to take care of other household chores. Cleaning, cooking, water-seeking and selling firewood or charcoal are tasks that together represent the daily obligations of girls. These activities usually take up most of the time, to the point that they have little or no time to study.
They are destined to be married in exchange for goods. Parents consider that the girls belong to them and that they have the right to decide when and with whom they should marry.
Many girls suffer from violence and extremism both at home and in school, and hurt because corporal punishment is thought to instill discipline. Cultural roles have led to a wide disparity in educational opportunities for girls.
Pregnancy | Violence | Extremism
Many girls suffer from violence and extremism both at home and in school, and hurt because corporal punishment is thought to instill discipline. Cultural roles have led to a wide disparity in educational opportunities for girls.
This situation is conflicting enough on its own, but it increases much more when the girl becomes pregnant.
Adolescent pregnancy and motherhood are more frequent events than society would like to accept. They are difficult experiences that affect the comprehensive health of both adolescent parents and their children, family members and society themselves.
Pregnancy in adolescence can have many consequences that cover physical, emotional, social and economic areas.
“Adolescence pregnancy can have many consequences that encompass physical, emotional, social and economic backgrounds.”
Consecuencias físicas
Emotional and psychological consequences
Social consequences
Economic consequences
Impact on the child
Pregnancy in adolescence can have a significant impact on a young woman’s education.
Interruption of studies
Many pregnant teens drop out of school because of maternity responsibilities or pregnancy-related complications.
Discrimination and stigmatization
Some teens face discrimination or negative attitudes in their schools, which can make them feel uncomfortable or unsafe and prefer to stop attending.
Lack of time and energy
With a baby in charge, the time to study is dramatically reduced. Also, physical and emotional fatigue can affect your ability to concentrate and learn.
Long-term impact
The long-term consequences of teenage pregnancy can be profound and affect various areas of the life of the adolescent mother, the baby and her environment. Some of the main are:
For the teenage mother
Limitations on educational opportunities and jobs
Pregnancy often disrupts education, which can lead to lower incomes and limitations in future work options, often perpetuating cycles of poverty or economic dependence.
Cycle of poverty
The lack of economic stability can perpetuate a cycle of economic dependence or precarious living conditions.
Impact on health
Complications of teenage pregnancy can have lasting effects on the physical and mental health of the mother
Family and social relationships
Tension with family members or partners can be prolonged, especially if there is a lack of emotional or financial support.
For the child
Risks in development
Children of teenage mothers face an increased risk of health problems, developmental delays or academic difficulties.
Economic Challenges
Growing up in an environment with limited economic resources can affect your well-being and integral development.
Impact between two or more generations
The adolescent pregnancy cycle is more likely to recur in the next generation.
For society
Economic and social burden
They increase costs in social support, health and education programs.
Greater inequality
Inequity can be perpetuated in communities with high rates of teenage pregnancy.
