Firelight’s Ronald Kimambo and Kevin Obura, along with Lorraine Kiswaga, have co-authored an article in Girlhood Studies Journal entitled “Navigating Young Motherhood: Lived Experiences of Teenage Mothers in Tanzania.”

The article explores the realities of young mothers aged 13 to 18 years.

In 12 focus group discussions and 115 interviews, the research found that many young mothers face:

·     Social stigma

·     Exclusion from school

·     Barriers to employment

·     Inadequate childcare

But their resilience stood out—many girls found strength in peer support and informal work.

The authors call for:

·     Gender-responsive policies

·     School reintegration

·     Economic opportunities

·     Accessible childcare

The authors thank the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation for funding the study.  

They also thank their partners Kiwakkuki Women, Sawa Wanawake Tanzania (SAWA), Tahea Mwanza, and Thubutu Africa Initiatives for their tireless fieldwork and advocacy as well as the teenage mothers, community leaders, and stakeholders who bravely shared their stories.

You can access the article on the Girlhood Studies website.