Rwanda: Jeannette Kagame leads national youth forum to combat teenage pregnancies nationwide (Photos)

Rwanda’s First Lady, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, on Friday joined more than 2,000 participants at the Kigali Convention Centre for a national Youth Forum focused on accelerating efforts to prevent and eliminate teenage pregnancies, a challenge that continues to affect thousands of young girls across the country each year.

The forum, held under the theme “Building Strong and Safe Families: Accelerating Actions to Prevent and Eliminate Teenage Pregnancies,” brought together students, out-of-school youth, parents, government officials, policymakers, development partners, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, faith-based groups, and other stakeholders.

The event also marked the official launch of a new facilitator’s guide designed to support trainers promoting family dialogue, an initiative aimed at strengthening communication between parents and children.

Speaking at the forum, Imbuto Foundation Chief Executive Officer Elodie Shami emphasized that tackling teenage pregnancies requires collective action from all sectors of society.

She urged young people to seek reliable information and make informed decisions, particularly at a time when social media platforms expose them to both helpful and misleading content.

Founded in 2001 by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, Imbuto Foundation works to improve the lives of vulnerable communities through programs focused on education, health, youth empowerment, and family welfare.

Since 2010, the foundation has promoted parent-child dialogue through family forums that have reached thousands of households across Rwanda.

“When a child feels comfortable asking any question and receiving guidance from a parent, they are more likely to make decisions that protect their future,” Shami said.

“We have witnessed tangible results, with families communicating more openly and children gaining confidence to seek advice.”

According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Health, more than 23,000 girls become pregnant every year, averaging around 60 teenage pregnancies daily.

Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana warned that the prevalence rate among adolescents rose from 5 percent in 2020 to 8 percent in 2025.

He highlighted the severe health consequences associated with early pregnancies, noting that adolescent mothers face greater risks during childbirth because their bodies are often not fully developed.

Babies born to teenage mothers are also more likely to be born prematurely, suffer from stunting, or experience other health complications.

Dr. Nsanzimana identified several key drivers of teenage pregnancies, including school dropout rates, lack of information, peer pressure, poverty, and sexual violence.

He stressed that keeping girls in school through secondary education, expanding access to reproductive health services, and strengthening family dialogue are among the most effective solutions.

Other speakers echoed similar concerns. Dr. Cyprien Iradukunda from the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement called for early education on adolescence and responsible decision-making.

Representatives from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) highlighted challenges in prosecuting perpetrators due to a lack of evidence and the tendency of some families to conceal cases.

Journalist Antoinette Niyongira urged young people to resist peer pressure and unrealistic lifestyles often promoted online, while Professor Clémentine Kanazayire of the University of Rwanda emphasized the importance of preserving cultural values through open family discussions”.

Dear young people, the bodies that carry Rwanda’s future should not be filled with harmful substances or subjected to abuse. Let us protect our nation by protecting ourselves.” She added

The forum concluded with a renewed call for parents, educators, communities, and young people themselves to work together in safeguarding adolescents and ensuring a healthier future generation for Rwanda.

Photos