| Generally, addressing teenage pregnancy requires a multifaceted approach. It involves the family, community and state. The family plays a pivotal role in the protection of children likewise the community. The state has the moral obligation of safeguarding the overall wellbeing of children. The first lady of Sierra Leone is leading a similar fight against Early Child and Forced Marriage tilled ‘’ Hands Off Our Girls’’ which has attracted much attention from other First Ladies of other African Countries during the UN general Assembly. (UNGA, 2019.) With the emergency of the ‘’Hands off Our girls’’ campaign has led to the establishment of a special court to help expedite rape case against minors.
At this backdrop, addressing teenage pregnancy in Makpele Chiefdom requires the utilization of the Gender Based Violence Ecological framework where risk factors for violence such as sexual, domestic and cultural would be explored at societal, community, relationship and individual levels. In addition to the GBV ecological model, the strategy of positive parenting and intergenerational dialogue model will be integrated to ensure the utmost protection of girls against teenage pregnancy.
The positive parenting strategy will seek to encourage parent by developing their parenting skills in engaging their children in a constructive dialogue. The intent behind this strategy is to equip parents with the right tool of providing alternative life skills or choices for their children.
At household level, series of activities will be targeted aimed at engaging parents and their children. Household will be identified using vulnerability assessment tool. Child friendly curriculum that comprises of gender, sexual reproductive health and life skills will be developed and facilitated by community mentors. It is with the conviction that children at an early stage would learn about gender issues.
The intergenerational dialogue technique will seek to empower stakeholders of Makpele chiefdom to come together, discuss and take collective action against harmful traditional practices that drive teenage pregnancy.
Series of activities have been and will continue to be targeted at community level including community consultations and engagement of stakeholders in identifying safe space for boys and girls. Establishment of first-ever Girls Parliament and formation of its structures in schools and communities, Mass media and awareness raising campaigns through the various media outlets and programs, Gender transformative activities will also be implemented where the root causes of inequality at community level will be challenged. Community mentors and school clubs will be identified to lead discussions with children, parents/caregivers and community stakeholders so that they will be able to challenge harmful traditional norms. |