Rising Tide of Unplanned Pregnancies in Universities Sparks Need for Support and Awareness
For many women, the journey of conceiving and carrying a baby is often considered a blessing and a cause for celebration. However, in the academic realm, particularly within universities and colleges, the same experience can be perceived as a significant challenge.
A recent study conducted by Sauti Moja, an organization operating in Kenya and Tanzania, reveals that approximately 70.9% of pregnancies reported in universities are unplanned, with public universities leading with about 85% of the cases. This alarming trend is gradually increasing, indicating a pressing need for awareness and support services.
Factors contributing to the surge in unplanned pregnancies among university students include changing social norms, the lack of comprehensive sex education, limited access to contraceptives, peer pressure, and cultural factors.
Addressing these issues becomes imperative for educational institutions and society. Awareness programs and support services are crucial to promote responsible behavior and reduce unintended pregnancies.
Chuka University has taken a proactive step by establishing a support group named "Learning Mothers," consisting of approximately 40 members.
Miriam Njagi, a staff member at Chuka University and the group's patron, stated that the organization's goal is to provide a supportive environment for expecting students and help those who have already become mothers to balance their studies and parenting responsibilities. The group facilitates peer-to-peer counseling and idea-sharing among its members.
However, the Learning Mothers group faces challenges, particularly in terms of financial support and societal stigma. Miriam Njagi expressed her ambition for the group to evolve into a foundation, eventually accommodating student fathers and expanding its reach.
"We started this support group to offer them a soft landing so that they could get support. Our aim is to help them complete university and be able to pursue their careers," she emphasized.
Lucy Gacheri, the vice chairperson of the group, highlighted that meetings are held regularly at the Student Center to support student mothers, with additional events like outings and dinners at the end of each semester.
She attributed the rising number of pregnancies to the evolving societal perspective that no longer views childbirth as a shameful act.
Non-governmental organizations and key stakeholders have recognized the need to support mothers in universities, offering sessions for students to share their experiences and challenges. The government is also taking steps to educate the youth on measures to reduce the number of pregnancies reported before the completion of studies. Leaders such as Millicent Omanga and Esther Parris have initiated efforts to support learning mothers by providing capital for business ventures.
In the face of this growing issue, the collaboration between support groups, NGOs, government initiatives, and influential leaders is crucial to creating a supportive environment for student mothers and fostering awareness about the challenges they face.
The Learning Mothers group at Chuka University stands as a testament to the positive impact such initiatives can have on the lives of young women striving to balance education and motherhood.
The Writer, Purity Benjamin is a First Year Applied Computer Science Student at Chuka University.
The Campus Review is a Publication of the Chuka University Press Club
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