Governor Wanga Strengthens Initiatives to Reduce Teen Pregnancies

Governor Wanga Strengthens Initiatives to Reduce Teen Pregnancies

Education leaders in Homa Bay County have been urged to intensify their efforts to combat the alarming rate of teen pregnancies in the region.

Governor Gladys Wanga emphasized that without coordinated action to tackle this issue, the education of many girls could be at risk.

According to the latest Kenya Health and Demographic Survey (KHDS), the rate of teen pregnancies in Homa Bay is currently at 33 percent. Governor Wanga pointed out that this problem is contributing to high levels of poverty in the area.

To address the issue, she has launched an initiative called the Governor’s Girls’ Mentorship Program, which brings together adolescent girls from primary and secondary schools across the county. This program involves mentorship from leaders in various professional fields.

During a mentorship session at Ratang’a Girls Secondary School in Ndhiwa Sub-County, Governor Wanga and other mentors encouraged the girls to avoid premarital sex. She expressed concern that if not properly addressed, teen pregnancies could hinder the emergence of future women leaders from Homa Bay.

“Defilement and teen pregnancies lead to school dropouts among our girls. We must implement strategies to protect our girls from this issue,” Wanga stated, urging them to reject any sexual advances from predators.

“Every girl should have the courage to say ‘No’ to anyone who attempts to engage in sexual activity with her. This is the only way we can reduce teen pregnancies in our county,” she added.

Wanga encouraged the girls to focus on their studies to achieve their professional aspirations. “Don’t let poverty discourage you. Concentrate on your education, and you will realize your dreams,” she said.

The Governor called on all stakeholders to unite in the fight against this problem. “We cannot remain complacent when statistics show that three out of ten girls have been pregnant or will become pregnant. Let’s work together to end this crisis,” she urged.

Additionally, over five thousand girls received free sanitary pads. Peter Zhang, Managing Director of Softcare, stated that the donation aims to protect girls from being coerced into sexual activities in exchange for pads. He affirmed his organization’s commitment to promoting girls’ education in the county.

“We provided sanitary pads to improve menstrual hygiene, allowing girls to continue their education without interruption,” Zhang explained. He emphasized that empowering girls is essential for a productive future generation.

“The future belongs to the youth. By empowering these young girls, we can ensure a more productive future,” Zhang added.

Ndhiwa Deputy County Commissioner Lucy Ndemo noted that local security personnel are on high alert in the fight against defilement.

“Anybody who defiles a child will face consequences of legal action,” Ndemo said.

The Chairman of Kenya Secondary School Heads Association, Dickens Bula, told girls to protect their integrity by standing firm against people who want to violate their sexual rights.