Speaker Among blames Parents for early Child Marriages and Teenage Pregnancies.
KAMPALA -UGANDA: The speaker of the Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among has blamed Parents for the early Childhood Marriages and Teenage Pregnancies.
During the launch of the Parliamentary Forum to end Child Marriages and Teenage Pregnancies on Tuesday, the speaker called upon parents and cultural leaders to take action to put an end to the problem of teenage marriages.
She added that poor parenting is a major factor contributing to this issue and expressed her commitment to support the forum in raising awareness and ensuring that girls have access to education.
“One of the root causes of early marriages and child pregnancy is parenting, but it ultimately boils down to individuals and what they aspire to achieve in life. While circumstances may be tough, the determination to persevere is crucial” said Rt. Hon. Anita Among.
The speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among shared her personal experience of almost becoming a victim of the practice as she was about to complete primary school was almost forced into a marriage from which she decided to leave home, worked as a house girl and managed to pay for her education.
“I was almost becoming a victim of this practice. When I was about to complete primary school, I was almost forced into a marriage. I decided to leave home, worked as a house girl in other people’s homes, and managed to pay for my education” said Rt. Hon. Anita Among.
She further expressed her gratitude to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other development partners for their support in their collective efforts to eliminate the harmful practice.