In recent years, the implementation of the Children Act 2020–2022 has marked significant progress in protecting the rights and welfare of children across the nation. However, as Pauline Kedogo, Influencing and Advocacy Advisor at Plan International, points out, there are still critical policy gaps that need to be addressed. These gaps, if not filled, threaten to undermine the effectiveness of the Act and the safety and future of our children.
“There are policy gaps that must be filled under the Children Act 2020–2022. As a country, we must implement the laws and enforce them fully,” Kedogo asserts. Her call to action is a reminder that legislation alone is not enough; the real impact comes from rigorous enforcement and continuous evaluation of these laws.
One of the most pressing issues that these policy gaps affect is the alarming rate of teenage pregnancy. According to recent statistics, the number of teenage pregnancies has been rising, posing a serious challenge to the health, education, and future prospects of young girls. To tackle this issue, Plan International is spearheading a collaborative initiative involving the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Judiciary, and the police.
“With the aid of DPP, Judiciary, and the police, we are working together to reduce teenage pregnancy by 2026,“ Kedogo explains. This multi-sectoral approach aims to create a robust support system that not only addresses the symptoms but also the root causes of teenage pregnancy.
The Collaborative Approach
- Strengthening Legal Frameworks: The DPP plays a crucial role in ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence and exploitation are brought to justice. This includes rigorous prosecution of cases involving underage girls, ensuring that the legal consequences serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.
- Judicial Support: The Judiciary is essential in interpreting and enforcing the laws under the Children Act. By ensuring timely and fair judgments, the courts can provide justice for victims and reinforce the seriousness of these crimes.
- Police Involvement: The police are often the first point of contact for victims of sexual violence and abuse. Enhanced training and resources for the police force can improve their response to these cases, ensuring that they handle them with the sensitivity and urgency they deserve.
While legal and judicial measures are vital, addressing the root causes of teenage pregnancy requires a broader approach:
- Education and Awareness: Comprehensive sexual education in schools can equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships. Public awareness campaigns can also play a role in changing societal attitudes towards teenage pregnancy and sexual violence.
- Access to Healthcare: Providing teenagers with access to reproductive health services, including contraception and counseling, is crucial. This can help prevent unwanted pregnancies and provide support for those who are already pregnant.
- Economic Empowerment: Poverty is a significant factor contributing to teenage pregnancy. Programs aimed at economic empowerment of families, such as vocational training and financial support, can reduce the economic pressures that lead to early marriages and pregnancies.
Engaging the community is another critical component of this strategy. Community leaders, parents, and young people themselves must be involved in creating an environment where teenage pregnancy is not just seen as an individual issue but a community concern. By fostering open dialogue and collective action, communities can support and protect their young members.
The goal to reduce teenage pregnancy by 2026 is ambitious but achievable with concerted effort and collaboration. As Pauline Kedogo emphasizes, the enforcement of existing laws and the filling of policy gaps are essential steps in this journey. By working together, leveraging the strengths of various stakeholders, and addressing the root causes, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for our children.
