Incorporating Men Is Remedy To Curbing Teenage Pregnancy

By Isabella Maua

Men and boys could be the best advocates of zero tolerance to teenage pregnancies in Bungoma since they are the perpetrators of the vice.

Speaking during the launch of a two-day conference dubbed “Second Chance and Dignity Conference” held at Mbakalo, Tongaren Sub County, Cleophas Chesoli, Director at Core Health and Wealth International, emphasized the need to put men at the forefront.

“It is either adult men or teenage boys who are responsible for the numerous cases of teenage pregnancies in our county, but many a time, we fail to equip them with crucial information,” he highlighted.

One of the greatest challenges, however, is that these male counterparts are always missing whenever they are called upon to attend gender-related meetings or menstrual health conferences.

According to Anne Barasa, Director State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, it is a hurdle to convince men to attend meetings and trainings unless there are incentives.

“With Bungoma leading at 75% in cases of incest, it is definite that many of the teenage pregnancies happen within the family setup; however, we need to come up with alternative options to find them and talk to them,” Barasa bemoaned.

One of the stakeholders echoed her sentiments and suggested that the best way to empower the men is to go to them deliberately and strategically.

“We shall need to have advocates in political rallies, football and such tournaments, drinking joints, and chief barazas; this peer-to-peer will help enormously,” advised the stakeholder.

Chesoli also lauded the efforts of all the partners and stakeholders for coming together to highlight the plight of teenage mothers and change their lives by giving them a second chance in life.

“I’d like to thank Child Fund Kenya and Germany, the county government of Bungoma, the System Changer Network, and all stakeholders who’ve enabled us to support over 300 teenage mothers for the past 2 years,” acknowledged Chesoli.

He added, “Many of the students have actually completed their Form Four education, and over 30 have enrolled in colleges and universities; we have others engaging in handwork skills and agriculture.”

The director further divulged that they have incorporated young men and boys in the mentorship program, and so far over 3000 boys in Mbakalo ward have been enlightened and empowered.

Martin Mureithi, Deputy County Commissioner of Bungoma North, appreciated the efforts of stakeholders who took part in the conference, citing that the findings would be a big step in assisting the national government in strategizing on the way forward.

Conclusively, girls are given a chance to enjoy childhood and not fall prey to teenage pregnancy, hence jeopardizing their future and that of their children.