Teenage pregnancy raises concern in Vella

By Alfred Pagepitu, Stringer/Reporter Western Province

 Western Province Women in Kibiri have expressed deep concern about the increasing rate of teenage pregnancy in rural communities. Kibiri is situated on the border of the North Vella la Vella Constituency, which marks the boundary of the South East Vella constituency, extending from Kibiri to Oula, where the South East region is located.

During an interview with Church pastor, Mrs. Patricia Maeke, who serves as a United Church pastor in her community, the issue of teenage pregnancy was discussed. Mrs. Maeke highlighted teenage pregnancy as one of the significant problems faced by most villages. “We should elect leaders who will prioritize the construction of proper shelters for our women and girls,” she emphasized. “This is to prevent girls from engaging in various social activities,” she added. According to Pastor Mrs. Maeke, a considerable number of young girls in the community have experienced teenage pregnancy.

Mothers have raised this concern and emphasized the need for quality sexual and reproductive health services, provided in a youth-friendly manner. “We need leaders who will recognize the struggles and rights of women in rural communities,” she said. “Not only leaders but also NGOs should establish women’s centers to educate our women and girls,” she added.

Mrs. Maeke pointed out that early motherhood deprives many young girls of completing their education and puts pressure on them to provide for their family’s needs. Pastor Mrs. Maeke emphasized the necessity of NGOs, the government, or any leader elected to parliament planning and establishing these services in their community to decrease teenage pregnancy rates and educate the youth, especially young girls.