122 000 SA teen mothers recorded in 1 financial year
33% of girls do not return to school after becoming pregnant, impacting their educational and employment prospects.
In the past financial year, a staggering 122 000 South African teenagers gave birth, 2 716 of who were between the ages of 10 and 14.
According to DA national deputy spokesperson on Social Development Alexandra Abrahams, reports indicate that 119 587 teens aged 15 to 19 face parenthood while still children themselves.
Abrahams said he had written to the chairperson of the Social Development committee, Bridget Masango, urging her to summon the Department of Social Development to inquire about their actions to address the issue and whether they have considered the recommended policy changes.
“Teenage pregnancy in South Africa is driven by factors such as poverty, poor access to contraceptives, gender inequality, sexual taboos, high levels of gender-based violence (GBV), and inadequate sex education. This complex issue requires a comprehensive approach to address these multifaceted drivers,” said Abrahams.
“The statistics present two alarming issues: A lack of education about safe sex, and a lack of investigations into prima facie cases of sexual assault.”
In South Africa, it is illegal for someone to engage in sex with a partner younger than 16 years of age unless they are less than two years older than them or they are both between the ages of 12 and 16 and are both consenting. It remains illegal for anyone to engage in sexual activities with a child under the age of 12, whether or not consent has been given.
“So, girls between 10 and 12 years old who have given birth are victims of sexual abuse, and their cases should be reported and investigated. Given the country’s extremely high rate of GBV, it stands to reason that many of these teen mothers would have suffered abuse or coercion, and the perpetrators should be brought to justice before they inflict suffering on another victim,” added Abrahams.
The Department of Basic Education found that 33% of girls do not return to school after becoming pregnant, impacting their educational and employment prospects, and reinforcing gender gaps.
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za