ENTEBBE – In the vibrant town of Entebbe, Uganda, a remarkable event unfolded at Entebbe Girls Secondary School. Family Medical Point, a dedicated healthcare organization, had organized a school outreach program to commemorate International Women’s Day. The program’s primary objective was to empower young girls with essential knowledge on sexual and reproductive health, enabling them to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
Polyne Nabwire, Head of Programs at Family Medical Point emphasized the significance of providing girls with accurate information and resources, allowing them to navigate the challenges of adolescence with confidence. Nabwire’s words resonated deeply with the students, who were eager to learn and grow.
“Many of these young girls are forced to confront the harsh realities of unsafe abortions and school dropouts. We want to create a safe space for them to ask questions, engage in meaningful discussions, and recognize their potential beyond societal limitations.”
Ms. Claire Twesigye, Programme Director at FABs Girls and Women, addressed the students – highlighting the unique struggles faced by girls in fishing communities like Kigungu, where they are often exposed to men and related vices.
Twesigye stressed the importance of education in empowering girls to protect themselves against teenage pregnancies and build a brighter future. Her message was clear: every girl deserves the right to education, healthcare, and equal opportunities.
“As empowered women, it’s our responsibility to empower the next generation. We must provide unbiased information to enable girls to make informed decisions… Education is key. It empowers girls to protect themselves against teenage pregnancies and build a brighter future.”
The students also had the opportunity to hear from their peers. Ms. Namuleme Nahia Naha, head prefect at Entebbe Girls Secondary School, shared her insights on teenage pregnancies.
She emphasized that these pregnancies often affect girls between 13 and 20 years old, and are frequently caused by factors such as early marriages, materialism, poverty, permissiveness, and cultural beliefs. Naha advised her fellow students to abstain from sex until the right time comes, and to prioritize their education and well-being.
“When discussing teenage pregnancies, I consider them unexpected pregnancies, occurring when girls are not emotionally or financially prepared to care for themselves… My advice to fellow girls is to abstain from sex until the right time comes.”
Ms. Esther Juliet Apio, team leader of Voices for Health and Development, discussed menstrual health and hygiene with the students. She explained that girls in fishing communities and landing sites are vulnerable to period poverty, leading to missed schools and dropouts.
Apio emphasized the importance of providing girls with sustainable solutions like menstrual cups, and educating them on menstrual hygiene and health.
“Girls in fishing communities and landing sites are vulnerable to period poverty, leading to missed schools and dropouts. We’re committed to reaching the most vulnerable girls, providing them with sustainable solutions like menstrual cups, and educating them on menstrual hygiene and health.”
As the program drew to a close, Cedikol Enock, Manager of Service Delivery at Family Medical Point, reiterated the significance of supporting girls in their education and well-being. He highlighted the complications that can arise from teenage pregnancies, including premature deliveries or obstructed labor and potential fistulas due to difficult deliveries. Enock’s words served as a poignant reminder of the importance of empowering girls with knowledge and resources.
“During adolescence, the body and reproductive system are still developing. As a result, it can be challenging for the reproductive organs to support a pregnancy to full term… Uganda continues to face the challenge of high teenage pregnancy rates, which have persisted at 25% for two decades.”
The program concluded with a sense of hope and renewal. The students of Entebbe Girls Secondary School had been empowered with knowledge, and were now equipped to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures. As they left, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and determination to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
