SOCIETY CALLED TO COME TOGETHER TO STOP INCREASING TEENAGE PREGNANCIES

By Tshepo Motholo

• February is designated as Teenage Pregnancy Awareness Month, highlighting the pervasive issue within South African society.

• Data from parliamentary responses underscores the severity of the problem, with tens of thousands of pregnancies reported among girls aged 10 to 19 in recent years, suggesting a deeper crisis beyond the reported figures.
• Social media’s influence, compounded by factors like child marriage and substance abuse, exacerbates the issue, necessitating comprehensive solutions to empower young girls and address root causes.

The month of February marks teenage pregnancy awareness, a solemn reminder of the pressing issue that plagues our society. In South Africa, teenage pregnancy has become a pandemic, leaving a trail of shattered dreams and unfulfilled potential in its wake. However, let’s refrain from pointing fingers, as this is not solely a gender-specific issue; it is a multifaceted problem that requires a holistic approach.

The data reveals a concerning situation: as outlined in a parliamentary response from June 2022 by the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, nearly 90,000 pregnancies were reported among girls aged 10 to 19 in South Africa between April 2021 and March 2022. Furthermore, recent statistics indicate an even higher figure, with over 150,000 young girls becoming pregnant during the 2022/2023 financial year. These figures, though alarming, do not fully depict the crisis, as they do not account for clandestine abortions, unregistered births, or the silent struggles of those who experience miscarriages.

Social media emerges as a significant culprit in this narrative. The allure of influencers and their seemingly glamorous lifestyles can enchant impressionable young minds, fostering unrealistic aspirations and leading them down dangerous paths. In the pursuit of emulating their idols, some young girls find themselves trapped in relationships with older men, informally referred to as ‘sugar daddies’ or blessers. This phenomenon is just one facet of a broader issue exacerbated by societal pressures.

Moreover, factors like child marriage and substance abuse further compound the problem, casting a shadow of despair over our youth. It is evident that combating teenage pregnancy requires more than just band-aid solutions, it necessitates a concerted effort to address the root causes and empower our young girls with the tools they need to navigate life’s complexities.

The South African government has implemented deliberate measures to address teenage pregnancy by introducing initiatives like Comprehensive Sexuality Education. This programme facilitates education for learners about their bodies, aiming to break the taboo surrounding discussing sex with them, among other topics.

The South African government has initiated dialogues to enable community members to openly discuss the challenges faced by young girls in our communities. Awareness campaigns have been implemented to alleviate teenage pregnancy rates, alongside the promotion of preventive measures such as contraception education, access to family planning services, and the availability of contraceptive medications. Accessible and cost-free healthcare services also play a significant role in prevention by fostering empathy and understanding, thus breaking down barriers that impede progress and paving the way for a brighter future.

Addressing the issue of teenage pregnancy requires both our steadfast commitment and collaborative effort. The community must join hands with the government in this endeavour. Together, let us pledge to dismantle the barriers of ignorance and stigma, and pave the way for empowerment and opportunities for our young girls. While the journey ahead may pose challenges, by working together, we can navigate towards a promising future.