BY SHABAN OMAR
Kwale County youth activists have raised concerns over the increasing number of schoolgirls dropping out of school due to pregnancy, blaming parents for failing to support their daughters’ education.
Amina Mwabanda, an officer from the Children Empowerment and Development Community-Based Organization (CBO), said many parents treat their pregnant daughters as a disgrace, often disowning them and denying them the right to education.
“Instead of supporting the girls, parents force them into teen marriages or keep them at home to help fend for their families,” she said.
The young activist said the vice robs the girls of their future thus contributing to poverty.
Mwabanda urged parents to embrace their daughters, noting that pregnancy should not mark the end of their education.
She said that the government had put in place re-entry policies allowing teenage mothers to resume school after childbirth.
Mwabanda urged parents to be at the forefront in supporting their daughters rather than cursing or kicking them out of the house.
She added that parents should provide hope instead of condemnation.
Mwabanda said one mistake should not determine the girl’s future and that parents should admit the problem has occurred and work on making things better.
Mwanakombo Hassan said that parents should not alienate their pregnant school-going daughters, as doing so only worsens their situation.
She noted that with the right support, the girls could still achieve success and build a bright future.
“Pregnancy should not define a girl’s destiny. If given the necessary support, they can continue with their education and reach their full potential,” she said.
Hassan also pointed out that, in some cases, parents contribute to teenage pregnancies by neglecting their responsibilities.
She said when parents fail to provide for their daughters’ basic needs, the girls are often left with no choice but to seek financial help through other means, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
Hassan said that some parents undermine their daughters’ education from an early age, discouraging them from pursuing their dreams.
“When girls are constantly told that their education is not important, they lose motivation and may eventually drop out, making them more susceptible to early pregnancies and forced marriages,” she said.
Mejumaa Suleiman urged parents to change their mindset and prioritize their daughters’ education, stressing that empowering girls benefits not only their families but also the entire community.
She called on authorities to take action against parents who deny their children access to education.
Suleiman further urged the county government to collaborate with organizations to create awareness on the importance of educating girls, regardless of their pregnancy status.
“We need more sensitization programs to educate parents about the value of keeping girls in school. The stigma surrounding teenage pregnancy should end,” she said.
She also appealed to school administrators to be more supportive of teenage mothers and create a conducive environment for their return.
