We call on schools, families, traditional institutions, faith leaders, policymakers, health workers and community stakeholders to protect the dignity, safety, education and future of pregnant adolescents, young mothers and women who face stigma because of pregnancy outside marriage.
Public shaming, abandonment, forced marriage, violence and school exclusion can deepen harm and push girls and women away from education, health care, psychosocial support and community protection.
- 1 End public shaming, abuse and harmful punishment of pregnant girls and unmarried mothers.
- 2 Protect pregnant girls and young mothers from school exclusion and support safe school re-entry.
- 3 Promote confidential counselling and referral to health, psychosocial, legal and social welfare services.
- 4 Hold men and boys accountable where there is abandonment, coercion, exploitation, abuse or rape.
- 5 Engage parents, faith leaders, traditional leaders, schools and youth groups in dignity-centred community dialogue.
- 6 Stop online ridicule, harmful jokes and media content that humiliates pregnant girls and unmarried mothers.
Schools, faith leaders, traditional leaders, state education authorities, families, health workers and community stakeholders.
Schools and education authorities
education
Support safe school re-entry and protection from exclusion.
Faith and traditional leaders
community_leadership
Support dignity-centred community dialogue and stop public shaming.
Health and social welfare stakeholders
health_social_welfare
Support confidential counselling and referrals.