ZIMBABWE’S dreary economic situation and poverty in families in Gwanda have been driving teenagers out of school leading to many teenage pregancies.
By Kudakwashe Pembere
Matebeleland South Legislator Honourable Sipho Ndlovu-Mokone in an interview with HealthTimes said most of these teenagers that fall pregnant are usually school drop outs.
“Most teenagers of school going age become school drop outs at an early because of economic reasons, their parents or guardians can’t afford to foot their educational bills,” she said. “Drug abuse also is another factor,where teenagers take drugs and end up engaging in early sex.”
She said these teens are as young as 13 years old.
” I think they will be as young as 13. As soon as they menstruate,others menstruste early,” Hon Mokone said.
Gwanda being a mining town coupled with cross border activities, these teens fall prey to miners who manipulate their poverty situation, according to Hon. Ndlovu-Mokone.
Lockdowns and associated curfews did not stop teens involving themselves in sexual activities in Gwanda.
“Teenage pregnancies rose up during Covid 19 as most teenagers during lockdown engaged in sexual activities,” the Mat South Legislator said.
Hon Ndlovu-Mokone hailed the judgment which pushed the age of consent to sex to 18 from 16 stating this was Constitutional.
“It is inline with the Constitution of the land. Teenagers should abstain and wait,” she said.
