Life Skills Education to End Teenage Pregnancy

In November 2025, Hope Foundation for African Women (HFAW) conducted a targeted empowerment and protection training for teen mothers in Magwagwa, North Mogirango Constituency, Nyamira County. The outreach formed part of HFAW’s continued commitment to protect vulnerable girls and young women from harmful cultural practices and social risks, particularly Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), repeat teenage pregnancies, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Teen mothers in the area face multiple and overlapping vulnerabilities, including stigma, economic hardship, school interruption, pressure from family members, and exposure to abuse. Recognizing these risks, HFAW designed a safe-space learning forum where participants could receive accurate information, share their lived experiences, and build confidence and practical life skills to protect themselves and their children.

The training brought together adolescent and young mothers from Magwagwa and neighboring villages. From the start, the atmosphere was open and interactive, with participants eager to speak about the challenges they face. Many shared that they rarely get opportunities to discuss issues such as FGM, reproductive health, and violence in a supportive environment.

During the sessions, HFAW facilitators guided participants through discussions on the dangers and the illegal status of FGM, the health and social consequences of teenage pregnancy, prevention of repeat pregnancies, and the different forms of GBV and available reporting pathways. The facilitators addressed common myths and misconceptions and emphasized that every girl and young woman has the right to safety, dignity, health, and education.

One participant, not her real name, spoke quietly but firmly during the FGM session: “Even after becoming a mother, some relatives still say I should be cut so I can be accepted. I didn’t know I can say no and get help.” Another added, “They tell us it is tradition, but no one tells us about the pain and the problems that follow. Today I understand my rights.”

The conversation around repeat teenage pregnancy generated deep reflection among the participants. Several girls admitted they had limited access to correct reproductive health information before their first pregnancy. One teen mother shared, “I got pregnant again because I was afraid to ask questions at the clinic. Now I know where to go and what to ask.” Another said, “If I had this knowledge earlier, my life would be different  but now I will use it to plan my future.”

When discussing GBV, participants described experiences of emotional abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The facilitators explained the different forms of violence and walked the group through practical reporting and referral options within the community. A participant remarked, “I thought violence only means being beaten. I didn’t know threats and control are also violence.” Another added, “I now know I should not keep quiet. There are people and offices where we can report.”

The life skills and confidence-building segments were especially impactful. Through guided exercises on self-esteem, decision-making, and personal safety planning, participants began expressing renewed determination. One young mother stated, “I want to go back to school and raise my child well. I will not allow pressure or fear to decide for me again.” Another said, “We should keep meeting like this. When we talk together, we become stronger.”

By the end of the training, participants demonstrated increased awareness of the risks and consequences of FGM, GBV, and repeat teenage pregnancy, and a clearer understanding of their rights and available support services. Many expressed gratitude for the respectful and non-judgmental approach used by the facilitators and requested continued mentorship and follow-up sessions.

The HFAW team noted that while harmful cultural beliefs and economic vulnerability remain significant challenges, the willingness of the teen mothers to learn, speak out, and support each other is a strong foundation for change. There is a clear need for sustained engagement that also includes parents, caregivers, and community leaders in order to shift norms and strengthen protection systems.

HFAW remains committed to continued outreach in North Mogirango Constituency and across Nyamira County to ensure that vulnerable girls and young mothers are informed, protected, and empowered. With continued partnership and support, such community-based trainings will keep building resilience and hope for one young mother at a time.

Doris Kananu
Program Director
Hope Foundation for African Women (HFAW)

Empowering young minds to challenge harmful cultural practices remains at the heart of our mission at the Hope Foundation for African Women (HFAW). Our team recently had the privilege of visiting Nyakenyomisia Primary School in Nyamira County for a mentorship and advocacy outreach session. This visit formed part of our continuous efforts to equip learners with the knowledge and confidence to resist Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early teenage pregnancies, and other practices that threaten their health, education, and future.

Nyakenyomisia Primary School is a vibrant and well-managed institution, known for its discipline and strong leadership. The school hosts a total of 555 learners — 135 ECDE pupils (70 boys and 65 girls), 230 primary pupils (150 boys and 80 girls), and 190 junior secondary learners (90 boys and 100 girls). The administration and teachers received the HFAW team warmly and actively participated in the mentorship activities, underscoring the importance of empowering learners with accurate information about their rights and well-being.

During the visit, the HFAW team held lively and participatory discussions with the learners on issues surrounding FGM, early teenage pregnancies, and personal protection from abuse. The learners listened attentively and asked thoughtful questions, revealing both their curiosity and the myths they often hear within their communities.

One learner, Miriam, not her real name, raised her hand and asked, “What are the rights of girls and women when it comes to FGM?” Another girl, Maggy, not her real name, shared a story that reflected common community beliefs. “My grandmother told me that being cut makes a girl beautiful and respectful,” she said shyly. Before the facilitator could respond, Joy, not her real name, quickly added, “That’s not true! I’ve seen girls who are not cut, and they look even more beautiful and are veryrespectful.”

Another learner, Fridah, not her real name, voiced another belief she had heard: “They say uncut girls will never get married or be liked by men.” Deborah, not her real name, chimed in, saying, “I heard that if a girl is not cut, her clitoris grows big, tears her panties, and starts to smell.”

The HFAW facilitators gently explained that these were myths and misconceptions passed down through generations to justify FGM. They commended Joy for her accurate observations. They clarified that the practice has no health or moral benefits but instead causes severe pain, health complications, and lifelong psychological trauma. The team emphasized that FGM violates human rights and that every girl has the right to grow up healthy, safe, and free from harm or discrimination.

The discussion grew even more personal when learners began sharing their own experiences. Keith, not her real name, spoke with determination: “When I get home, I’ll tell my mother and grandmother about the dangers of FGM.” Feldah, not her real name, shared a painful memory: “I once ran away from home after hearing my grandmother plan to have me cut.” Another learner, Phanice, not her real name, raised a difficult question: “Is it possible to restore the clitoris after FGM?” Joyce, one of the HFAW facilitators, responded compassionately that restoration is impossible for clidoridectory where the clitoris is cut off and dumped. She however mentioned that for the women who undergo infibulation (tightening the  vulva without cutting the clitoris), may have some  help getting this private  area untightened by specialized doctors. This is an expensive procedure done in developed countries. She urged the girls to resist FGM.

As the session came to an end, the learners expressed deep gratitude. Many said the discussion had opened their eyes and given them courage to speak up about issues that affect them. They eagerly requested HFAW to return for more sessions, showing a genuine thirst for knowledge and empowerment.

The HFAW team left Nyakenyomisia feeling inspired by the learners’ openness, bravery, and determination to protect themselves and their peers from harmful practices. It was clear that continued engagement is essential to cut the  FGM at its roots by creating resistance among the children and youths.  However it is essential to also engage with parents, elders, and community leaders—to challenge entrenched cultural norms and strengthen child protection within the community. That is HFAW’s continued mission.

On behalf of the entire HFAW team, I extend heartfelt appreciation to our partners and supporters whose unwavering commitment makes such impactful outreach possible. Your support enables us to reach schools like Nyakenyomisia, inspire young minds, and empower them to make informed, life-affirming decisions. Together, we can build a generation free from FGM and early teenage pregnancies—one child, one school, and one community at a time.

With deepest appreciation,
Doris Kananu
Program Director, Hope Foundation for African Women.