Action to Empower Adolescent Mothers in Burkina Faso and Malawi to Improve their Sexual and Reproductive Health (PROMOTE)

Abstract

Early childbearing in sub-Saharan Africa is associated with a negative impact on the health, education, and socio-economic well-being of girls. For 50% of girls, early and unintended pregnancy is the main reason for dropping out of school. Pregnancy-induced school dropout threatens the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4— ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life long learning opportunities for all, and 5—achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. This is because early pregnancy hinders girls from benefiting from investments in education and health that will guarantee their empowerment, economic mobility, and improved health across the life-course.