Some of Entebbe Girls Secondary School students excitedly in a photo with Family Medical Point staff on Saturday (PHOTO/Courtesy).
ENTEBBE – It was a sunny day in Entebbe, Uganda, as the students of Entebbe Girls Secondary School gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 08. Family Medical Point, a local healthcare organization, had organized a school outreach program to empower young girls with essential sexual and reproductive health information. The program was held at the school, located in Kigungu, Entebbe, and was attended by students, teachers, and guests from various organizations.
The program began with engaging health talks, drama skits, and music, all designed to educate and entertain the students. Polyne Nabwire, Head of Programs at Family Medical Point, welcomed everyone and emphasized the importance of providing girls with accurate information and resources to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
“Many of these young girls are forced to confront the harsh realities of unsafe abortions and school dropouts,” Nabwire said. “We want to create a safe space for them to ask questions, engage in meaningful discussions, and recognize their potential beyond societal limitations.”
The students listened intently as Ms. Claire Twesigye, Programme Director at FABs Girls and Women, discussed the unique challenges faced by girls in fishing communities like Kigungu. “As empowered women, it’s our responsibility to empower the next generation,” Twesigye said. “We must provide unbiased information to enable girls to make informed decisions.”
Twesigye highlighted the fact that girls in fishing communities and landing sites are exposed to men and related vices, making them vulnerable to early marriages and teenage pregnancies. “While the girls are informed about teenage pregnancies, I question the quality of information they receive. In my opinion, the causes of teenage pregnancies are clear, but there’s a need for more awareness and engagement from key players like myself, Family Medical Points, and Voices.”
She emphasized the importance of education in empowering girls to protect themselves against teenage pregnancies and build a brighter future. “I applaud Archbishop Kazimba’s statement that teenage mothers should be readmitted to school,” Twesigye said. “This shows commitment from religious leaders, promoting inclusion and non-discrimination.”
Ms. Esther Juliet Apio, team leader of Voices for Health and Development, took the stage to discuss menstrual health and hygiene. “Girls in fishing communities and landing sites are vulnerable to period poverty, leading to missed schools and dropouts,” Apio said. “We’re committed to reaching the most vulnerable girls, providing them with sustainable solutions like menstrual cups, and educating them on menstrual hygiene and health.”
Apio emphasized that the focus of Voices for Health and Development goes beyond just providing products; they aim to empower girls to speak up against period stigma, embracing their femininity, and addressing emotional issues attached to menstruation. “We’re creating a safe space for them to express themselves freely.”
Additionally, she highlighted the importance of empowering girls to seek help in cases of gender-based violence, which is prevalent in every space, including schools. “We want them to understand the forms of violence and stand up against it, accessing available reporting mechanisms.”
The students also heard from their peers, including Ms. Namuleme Nahia Naha, head prefect at Entebbe Girls Secondary School. “When discussing teenage pregnancies, I consider them unexpected pregnancies, occurring when girls are not emotionally or financially prepared to care for themselves,” Naha said.
Naha emphasized that these pregnancies often affect girls between 13 and 20 years old. “What causes teenage pregnancies?” Naha asked. “Several factors contribute, including early marriages, materialism, poverty, permissiveness, and cultural beliefs.”
Naha shared her thoughts on how poverty can lead to teenage pregnancies. “In Uganda, many people struggle financially, making it difficult for girls to access basic necessities,” Naha said. “This can lead to desperation, causing girls to engage in risky behavior, such as sleeping with men, resulting in teenage pregnancies.”
She advised her fellow girls to abstain from sex until the right time comes. “Being religious and praying to God can also provide guidance and self-control. As a Muslim, I’ve been taught to abstain from sex before marriage, which helps prevent teenage pregnancies.”
Family Medical Point’s Manager of Service Delivery – Cedikol Enock taking girls through health issues associated with teenage pregnancies (PHOTO/Courtesy).
Unfortunately, Naha noted that no environment is completely safe for girls, including schools. “While schools have both male and female staff, risks still exist. Ultimately, the safest spot is within oneself, taking personal responsibility for one’s safety and well-being.”
Ms. Nabalanzi Florence, a senior four candidate, shared her thoughts on the challenges faced by girls in Uganda. “While some girls may be unaware of the risks, many of us know the consequences of engaging in early sex,” Florence said. “However, due to various reasons, some girls feel forced to make difficult choices as a means of survival.”
Florence emphasized that many families in Uganda struggle to provide basic necessities, leaving young girls vulnerable to exploitation by men who offer financial support in exchange for favors.“With limited education and idle time, these girls become easy targets for manipulation,” Florence said. “I urge parents to foster open relationships with their children, creating a safe space for us to share our challenges.”
Florence encouraged parents to prioritize their role in parenting and not neglect their responsibilities. “To my fellow girls, I encourage you to be patient and resilient. While we may not always get what we need, patience is a virtue that will ultimately pay off.”
As the program came to a close, Cedikol Enock, Manager of Service Delivery at Family Medical Point, emphasized the importance of supporting girls in their education and well-being. “During adolescence, the body and reproductive system are still developing. As a result, it can be challenging for the reproductive organs to support a pregnancy to full term.”
Enock highlighted the complications that can arise from teenage pregnancies, including premature deliveries or obstructed labor and potential fistulas due to difficult deliveries. “Uganda continues to face the challenge of high teenage pregnancy rates, which have persisted at 25% for two decades,” Enock said.
The students left the program with a newfound sense of empowerment and knowledge, ready to take control of their own health and futures. As one student said, “I’m grateful for this program. I’ve learned so much about my body and my rights. I feel empowered to make informed decisions about my life.”
The program was a huge success, and the students of Entebbe Girls Secondary School left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to take control of their own lives. As the theme of International Women’s Day 2025 states, “For All Women and Girls: Equality, Empowerment, and Rights,” the program was a testament to the power of education and empowerment in creating a brighter future for girls and women everywhere.
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