FRANCISTOWN: The Okavango District has recorded alarming cases of teenage pregnancy over the last five months, highlighting the persistent risks faced by young girls in the region.
A total of 77 teenage girls have been impregnated from April to date, according to figures that were revealed during an ongoing ordinary full council meeting at Okavango District Council (ODC). “This is a distressing statistic that demands our immediate introspection. There is a need for undivided attention to fight this monster that is tormenting our district. Gumare and Shakawe villages both have reported the highest number of cases, with 24 cases each,” said ODC chairperson, Gaopalelwe Ronald, when briefing the council. What is particularly troubling according to the council chairpersons is that 12 of the 77 cases of teenage pregnancy involve defilement.
He, however, commended Gumare Primary Hospital and Joseph Kavindama Primary Hospital for swiftly referring all instances of defilement to social workers for necessary intervention. The cases are said to be at different stages of investigation according to Ronald. Ronald highlighted the need for more comprehensive and sustained efforts, including increased access to education, better healthcare services, and stronger legal frameworks to protect girls and ensure their wellbeing. “We must all collaborate to provide support and guidance to these vulnerable teenagers, ensuring that they receive the necessary care, protection, and education to navigate these challenging times,” Ronald said.
“In addition, the role of child protection committees in combatting cases of teenage pregnancy is vital, and we must empower these committees to effectively safeguard the wellbeing of our youth.” It looks like Okavango is struggling to deal with growing cases of defilement and factors such as teenage pregnancy amongst others. During a full council meeting in May this year Ronald said the district was experiencing an increase in the number of cases ranging from teenage pregnancy, defilement, and rape amongst minors. He said that for the financial year that ended in April 2024, the district recorded 139 defilement cases, some of which led to pregnancies.
He bemoaned that the escalating numbers of sexual abuse cases and teenage pregnancies are an indication that the family and communities are no longer safe for our children and that family support structures have collapsed. Despite various initiatives aimed at addressing issues like teenage pregnancy and sexual violence among girls, these challenges continue to persist. Ronald previously said that the effectiveness of these interventions is often limited by factors such as socioeconomic conditions and lack of resources.