News on Adolescent pregnancy

21 June 2019
News
A Syrian refugee in northern Iraq. © UNFPA/Seivan Salim
Child bride, mother of seven, refugee and, today, an independent woman
DOHUK, Iraq – “I was only 12 years old when I got married to my 25-year-old cousin,” Najma*, from a Syria, told UNFPA recently. “My mother entered my room at around 5 pm while I was sitting on the floor, colouring in my... Read more
12 June 2019
News
Participants in the ‘Beauty for All’ course show off their new skills at a graduation ceremony in April. Photo courtesy of L’Oréal
Beauty for the brave: Abuse survivors learn to make it on their own
KYIV, Ukraine – Not long ago, Olena* feared for her life and for her children. For years, husband assaulted her physically and sexually. He threatened to kill her if she ever left. But she found the strength to protect... Read more
11 June 2019
News
Fighting for girls’ right to say no to child marriage in South Sudan
Fighting for girls’ right to say no to child marriage in South Sudan
JUBA, South Sudan – When Poni Helen found out she was pregnant at 16, she was confused and had no idea where the situation would lead. She only had one thing in mind and she was certain of it – she wanted to continue... Read more
28 May 2019
News
In India, 15-year-old Priyanka Meena sleeps outside her home when she has her periods. She wears the same clothes and uses the same utensils when she menstruates; these are believed to be unclean. © UNFPA India
Menstruation is not a girls' or women’s issue – it’s a human rights issue
JUBA/COX’S BAZAR/UNITED NATIONS – “My periods are a nightmare,” Nyanjuma Galoth, 20, told UNFPA at a civilian protection camp in South Sudan. “They are very painful, and I can’t get any sanitary products.”It is a major... Read more
10 April 2019
News
Marta Paula, from Guinea-Bissau, was hospitalized when she gave birth at 13. Doctors were worried she might die. Today, she calls for young people to have access to family planning. © UNFPA/I. Barbosa
Vast numbers of women lack decision-making power over their own bodies, says UNFPA flagship report
UNITED NATIONS, New York – Reproductive rights and choices have become a reality for more women than ever, says UNFPA’s flagship report, State of World Population 2019, released today. Yet despite these gains, vast... Read more
19 March 2019
News
After years of conflict, the population is seeing a cascade of health and human rights problems fall "like dominoes". © UNFPA Syria/Sufian Abdul-Mouty
Health, rights situation critical among women and girls in conflict-scarred Dara’a
DARA’A, Syrian Arab Republic – With the crisis in Syria soon to enter its ninth year, the people of Dara’a Governorate face especially harrowing conditions, with hostilities killing civilians as recently as July.  Dara’... Read more
1 February 2019
News
“Many of my friends dropped out of school because of early marriage," said Soukaina, in Morocco. “I am grateful I have been able to finish school and delay motherhood." © UNFPA Morocco
The future at her fingertips: What happens when girls say #IDONT
UNITED NATIONS, New York – More than 150 million. This is the number of girls who could become child brides by 2030 if the world does not act decisively to end child marriage. On average, tens of thousands of girls are... Read more
24 January 2019
News
Chief Mwanza has put women and girls at the top of her agenda since rising to power. © UNFPA Malawi/Henry Chimbali
When women rule: Malawi chief battles harms against girls
MWANZA, Malawi – Chief Mwanza knows all too well the opportunities that are lost when girls are married off as children. She was married when she was only 14 years old. Born Chalendo MacDonald in 1952, she had wanted to... Read more
18 January 2019
News
Young people outside a youth-friendly health centre in Kamenge, Bujumbura. © UNFPA/Chiara Frisone
In Burundi, sexual health education helps youth protect themselves, their futures
BUJUMBURA, Burundi – “During my youth, I had to abort four times,” said Cecile Nshimirimana*, a student in Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura. The procedures were illegal – in Burundi, abortion is permitted only to save a... Read more
12 November 2018
News
When her friend became unexpectedly pregnant at an early age, Azlifa sought a way to share sexual and reproductive health information with other young people kept in the dark about their bodies. © UNFPA Maldives/Tatiana Almeida
Youth advocates for family planning break taboos in the Maldives
MALE’, Maldives – When Azlifa was 11 years old, something troubling happened to her friend. “She dropped out of school,” Azlifa remembers. “Her family was very upset. Everyone on the island – it was a very small... Read more

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