The crisis of school dropout of pregnant adolescents and young mothers
Date: 13 Dec 2024
By Nothemba Sonjica
The issue of child and adolescent pregnancy is becoming increasingly alarming in South Africa, with over 122,000 teenage births reported in 2023/24, including young girls as young as 10. Despite various interventions, the rates of pregnancy and subsequent school dropouts among these young mothers persist, leading to severe economic consequences and perpetuating cycles of poverty.
South Africa’s significant income inequality and high poverty rates, particularly impacting women, exacerbate the challenges faced by adolescent mothers. Women, especially those heading households, often find themselves in low-paying jobs and struggle to access resources, with young women experiencing high unemployment rates at around 49.4%. The Commission for Gender Equality’s study in 2022/23 across three provinces (Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal) highlighted several factors contributing to school dropouts among pregnant adolescents and young mothers, including individual challenges like low self-esteem, financial difficulties related to childcare, and a lack of support from fathers.
The research also identified gaps in academic and psychosocial support for pregnant learners, with schools not providing necessary catch-up lessons or adequate psychological assistance. Additionally, stigma and discrimination from peers and school officials discouraged many adolescent girls from returning to school post-pregnancy.
The situation underscores the importance of addressing these barriers to uphold the right to education enshrined in the South African Constitution, which is crucial for both individual and societal development. This troubling trend not only affects young girls’ educational journeys but also has profound implications for their economic futures, often resulting in limited opportunities and a bleak outlook. As such, addressing the issue of adolescent pregnancy requires a multifaceted approach, one that not only focuses on reducing the incidence of early motherhood but also tackles its related consequences, particularly the school dropout rates. A concerted and comprehensive effort from various sectors of society is thus essential to provide support and resources for young girls to help them forge a brighter path forward.
It is essential to implement targeted, evidence-based interventions at the state level, accompanied by a robust system for monitoring and evaluation. This approach will ensure that the effectiveness of these interventions can be measured and adjusted as needed. A key aspect of this initiative is the comprehensive training of all role-players, particularly school officials, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out these interventions successfully. Furthermore, as the primary duty-bearer, the state is responsible for guaranteeing that adequate resources are made available for the full implementation of these initiatives.
The National Policy on the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy is a particularly vital policy intervention. This policy is not only extensive but also encompasses a wide array of services aimed at supporting affected learners. The policy lists a wide array of services that include psychosocial support to address emotional and social challenges, as well as academic assistance to ensure that girls can continue their education without interruption. It is imperative that the rollout of this crucial policy reaches every school across the nation, providing all students with the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive learning environment.