Implications of teenage pregnancy and motherhood for girls’ educational opportunities - A case study in Kamakwie, Sierra Leone

Abstract: Sierra Leone struggles with one of the world’s highest rates of teenage pregnancy. Reducing the rate of teenage pregnancy and ensuring access to education for all are key to achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls. This is not only a top priority for the government but also an essential part of ensuring the human rights of the population and achieving inclusive development, as recognised in the international development agenda. Yet, thousands of Sierra Leonean girls are denied the right to education because they are not allowed in school if they get pregnant. This discriminatory practice was formalised through a policy declaration in 2015. Research that pays attention to connections between teenage pregnancy, education and empowerment commonly focus on education as a tool to prevent early pregnancy and keep girls in school. The objective of this thesis is thus to shed light on the situation for out-of-school pregnant teenagers and young mothers in Kamakwie, Sierra Leone. Data was collected through interviews with 16 young girls and complemented with key informant interviews and a focus group discussion. Their narratives were analysed in relation to theories of empowerment and inclusive development. The analysis centres around challenges the girls encounter to return to school and make strategic life choices, and whether education for them has potential for empowerment. Findings of the study indicate that the major barriers to girls’ education are economic and social, rather than legal, and it appears that the government policy has not had any substantial impact in Kamakwie.