I do not believe that a 15-year-old girl falls pregnant by choice. Behind many teenage pregnancies lies a story of pain, trauma, and unspoken suffering. As someone who works closely with adolescents, I have witnessed too many girls’ navigating pregnancy with silent wounds, afraid, shamed, and unsupported.

Many young girls face abuse and manipulation at the hands of people they should trust such as school bullies, cousins, family friends, even stepfathers. These acts of violence are often hidden, unreported, and misunderstood.  When girls lack safe spaces to speak out or fear being judged and labelled, they choose silence over protection. That silence becomes heavy, leading to suicidal thoughts, abortions, and mental health.

During their pregnancies, I have seen girls hide their pain behind forced smiles. They endure mockery from peers, whispers from community members, and sometimes even neglect from families. Many are pushed out of school and struggle through motherhood alone. 

These are not the outcomes of “choices”; they are consequences of a system that has failed to educate, protect, and empower them.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is not just a women’s issue; it is a community issue, a leadership issue, and a moral issue. It demands collective action.

What our girls need

Understanding, not judgment; support, not stigma; education, not assumptions; and protection, not silence.

They need trustable adults who listen without blaming. They need safe pathways to report abuse. They need health workers who show compassion. They need parents, teachers, and spiritual leaders who create environments where girls can speak openly.

A call to action

To parents, leaders, pastors, educators, and healthcare workers: Let’s take a firm, united stand against GBV. Let’s create communities where girls feel safe, heard, and valued. Let’s ensure that no child carries the weight of trauma alone.

Our girls deserve better and it starts with us breaking the silence.

*Martha Henok-Moongo is a registered nurse and midwife with a strong background in adolescent health, community health, and HIV prevention initiatives implemented alongside the Ministry of Health and Social Services. She holds specialisations in Public Health and Community Psychology.