The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on societies worldwide, altering lives and disrupting futures. In Kenya, beyond the immediate health crisis, the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities, particularly affecting young women and girls.
With schools closed for nearly a year due to rising COVID-19 cases, many students found themselves without the structure and support that education provides. For some, like 16-year-old Victoria from the Kabiria community in Nairobi, this period became a time of vulnerability. Struggling with limited parental supervision and economic hardships, Victoria made the heartbreaking decision to seek an early relationship, leading to an unexpected pregnancy.
Victoria's story is a stark example of a broader trend. Before the pandemic, Kenya already had one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancies in Africa, with about 74 out of every 1,000 teens becoming pregnant in 2019. The absence of schools as a safety net during the pandemic has only worsened the situation. While official statistics for 2020 are still pending, reports from NGOs indicate a significant rise in teenage pregnancies across the country.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) reported that in Lodwar, teenage pregnancies among their clients nearly tripled from 226 in 2019 to 625 between June and August 2020. Similarly, refugee camps like Kakuma and Dadaab saw substantial increases, with adolescent pregnancies rising by 28 percent in Dadaab alone.
Beyond the numbers, teenage mothers like Victoria often face immense challenges, including depression and a lack of support. Financial hardships prevent many girls from accessing basic necessities, leading some to engage in desperate measures just to survive. Martha Mwende, founder of the Real Hope Group, emphasizes the urgent need for counseling and increased government initiatives to address this growing crisis.
Victoria dreams of finishing her education and becoming a chef, but the closure of schools and the rise in teenage pregnancies have derailed her plans. Her story highlights the critical need for comprehensive support systems to ensure that young women can pursue their aspirations despite the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
