Advocacy group condemns governor Lusaka’s proposal on teen pregnancies
Agnes Wanga, the CEO of the Women on Boards Network (WOBN), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing gender diversity in board leadership, has issued a statement strongly criticizing Governor Kenneth Lusaka’s recent proposal to ban pregnant teenagers from resuming their studies.
In the statement, WOBN expressed deep concerns over Governor Lusaka’s remarks, terming the proposed legislation as regressive, chauvinistic, and a violation of fundamental rights, particularly the right to education.
The organization emphasized the need for holistic solutions to address the root causes of teenage pregnancies rather than implementing archaic measures.
The CEO of WOBN highlighted the importance of educational initiatives that empower both young girls and boys with knowledge and skills to make informed choices.
While Governor Lusaka attributed the high incidence of teenage pregnancies to poverty and living conditions, WOBN called for policymakers to focus on addressing socioeconomic factors and supporting girls affected by this issue.
The organization urged stakeholders involved in upcoming meetings to prioritize evidence-based and inclusive solutions, ensuring the right to education for every child, regardless of pregnancy status.
WOBN emphasized its dedication to advocating for a society where everyone, regardless of gender or circumstance, has equal opportunities for education.
Commending the efforts of organizations like UN Women, Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Barasa’s foundation, Forum for African Women Educationalists, Maendeleo ya Wanawake, and RMNCAH Network, WOBN called for a collaborative effort involving government officials, community leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to develop effective strategies addressing the root causes of teenage pregnancies while maintaining accessibility to education for all.
In a statement made at his residence on Saturday, January 13, Kenneth Lusaka proposed the implementation of a law preventing pregnant teenagers from resuming their studies, aiming to address the crisis prevalent in the county.
Lusaka expressed the belief that such legislation would encourage others to be more “careful and responsible,” emphasizing the need to reconsider the current practice where pregnant girls are allowed to return to school.
“Nowadays, girls are getting pregnant and allowed to go back to school, where many are seeing it as a non-issue,” he remarked.
Lusaka highlighted a specific case at St. Aquinas Chesikaki Secondary School in Mt Elgon, where 54 girls reportedly tested positive for pregnancy