Men from Kibra and Lang’ata constituencies on Thursday converged in Kibera, Nairobi for a forum that seeks to empower them to combat teenage pregnancies.
The conference, Men's Forum on Teenage Pregnancy Prevention, has been organised by the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE)- a pan-African NGO working to empower girls and women- under Imarisha Msichana Programme.
FAWE has collaborated with the Mastercard Foundation to enlighten men about their pivotal role in curbing teenage pregnancies.
Participants at the meeting led by chairman of Kenya Riders and Owners Boda Boda Association (KROBBA) Elly Kegode highlighted that men must be proactive in combating teenage pregnancies.
FAWE county coordinator Justus Makhulo praised the meeting as a significant step towards ending the menace.
“Men have a crucial role to play in curbing teenage pregnancies and should be incorporated in efforts to address the issue,” said Makhulo.
Makhulo highlighted the importance of male engagement and active participation in teenage pregnancy prevention programmes.
“Men have a responsibility to shift the narrative from blame to empowerment,” he stated.
Teenage pregnancy has been recognised as one of the demographic events that negatively affect the future of young girls and the empowerment of women in general.
Most times, teenage pregnancy means the end of schooling, the beginning of motherhood in childhood, and an uncertain future for the underage mother and her child for those who survive the health risks associated with teenage pregnancies.
In his address, Makhulo expressed optimism about the forum's outcomes, stating that it had inspired men to become proactive agents of change in their communities and contribute to a brighter future for young people.
“This gathering seeks to enlighten men about their pivotal role in curbing teenage pregnancies,” he reiterated.
Discussions at the forum traversed various strategies, accentuating the significance of abstinence and safe sex practices.
Speakers shared poignant experiences, illuminating the impact of early parenthood on young girls and the wider community.
Men acknowledged their crucial role in reshaping societal norms and pledged active support for teenage pregnancy prevention programmes.
The forum emphasised the imperative of collaborative action between government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders for sustained progress.
A total of 110,821 pregnancies were recorded among adolescents aged between the ages of 10 to 19 in the first five months of 2023.
Data from the Kenya Health Information Systems shows a total of 6,110 were among adolescents aged between 10 to 14 years while another 104,711 were between the ages of 15 and 19.