The Girls Empowerment Network (GENET) says it is committed to addressing teenage pregnancies and child marriages in the in Mchinji district.
GENET, Child Protection Officer Tapiwa Shawa says the
commitment comes amid continued concerns over the number of schoolgirls
dropping out of school due to teenage pregnancies and child marriages.
"We are working hand in hand with community leaders
to end child marriages and encourage parents to take greater responsibility for
raising their children," Shawa said.
She said it is important for children to feel free to
communicate with their parents so that they can access accurate and appropriate
information.
"It is the role of parents to take responsibility of
educating their children about sexual and reproductive health, rather than
leaving them to seek information from other sources, which could expose them to
misinformation and contribute to teenage pregnancies,” said Shawa.
Meanwhile, Community Initiative for Social Empowerment
(CISE) Malawi, Team Leader, Davis Damson, said the organization has recorded an
increase in teenage pregnancies, with cases rising to 468 between January and
October this year, compared to 268 recorded last year.
"The increase in teenage pregnancies is partly
attributed to a shortage of contraceptives, including condoms, as well as
having multiple sexual partners,” said Damson.
Damson also said a lack of appropriate sexual and
reproductive health information and guidance is contributing to teenage
pregnancies in the district.
"We are currently working closely with the
government to ensure that young girls prioritize their education. He has also
urged parents to take greater responsibility for their children's welfare,”
said Damson.
Mchinji District continues to record pregnancies
involving young girls aged from 10 despite efforts by various stakeholders to
address the problem.
