Ugandan policymakers and community leaders are urging for stronger measures to enable girls who became pregnant to re-enter school. At a recent forum, they called for reforms that would ensure these young mothers can resume education without stigma, highlighting education as a critical tool for empowerment and long-term poverty reduction.
Discussions centered on the need for both legal frameworks and school-level policies to support continuation of education for girls after childbirth. Advocates stressed that without formal structures to guide re-enrollment, many young mothers are excluded, which perpetuates gender inequality and limits their future economic prospects.
Speakers also addressed the social stigma and practical barriers such as childcare, financial costs, and lack of counseling services facing girls who try to return to school. They emphasized the role of government, schools, and civil society in creating safe, supportive learning environments.
Some leaders proposed establishing “re-entry policies” that not only allow but actively encourage young mothers to come back into the education system. This could involve tailored counseling, flexible school schedules, peer mentorship, and financial support.
Echoing these calls, educators shared success stories from pilot programs where pregnant girls and young mothers were supported to stay in school. They urged scaling up these initiatives nationwide and urged schools to partner with health centers and community organizations to create targeted support systems.
Advocates argue that investing in education for young mothers has long-term benefits not simply for the girls themselves, but for communities and the economy. An educated young mother is more likely to earn a living wage, avoid intergenerational poverty, and contribute positively to national development.
Overall, the forum’s message was clear: Ghana Kenya and Uganda must move beyond punitive measures and instead build pathways for young mothers to continue their education transforming their challenges into opportunities for growth.