Stigma, logistical barriers, and service inadequacies, are the main reasons why most adolescent mothers in the country did not seek psychosocial support last year, according to new research findings.

Research on teenage pregnancy and its impact on mental health was presented by Interpeace, an international organization that works to prevent violence and build lasting peace, and Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), on November 14.

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It showed that 84.16 per cent of the 587 survey participants across the country highlighted critical gaps in the awareness and use of psychosocial support systems.

While 47.19 per cent of adolescent mothers are aware of local health centres as a support option, 87.90 per cent of non-mother adolescents similarly avoided seeking support, highlighting a broader trend of underutilisation among youth.

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The research also revealed that adolescents who are not mothers received more family support. With 30 per cent of non-mother adolescents reported receiving parental support, while 19.93 per cent of adolescent mothers acknowledged the same.

"We found that many children who experience strict, authoritarian parenting without warmth or guidance often seek comfort and security outside the home, the quest for external validation later led to exploitation and unplanned pregnancies,” said Frank Kayitare, the Country Director of Interpeace.

"Families that engage in open dialogue, dedicate time for guidance, and balance discipline with love can achieve more positive outcomes. Providing psychosocial support for teenagers and adolescent mothers, along with ensuring easy access to sexual and reproductive health information, is crucial for bridging existing gaps and promoting well-being.”

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Recommendations

The report further emphasised the need for strengthened family counseling services, recommending that the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, the Ministry of Local Government, and local NGOs collaborate to address conflicts arising from adolescent pregnancies.

To support this initiative, psychological services, including counseling and stress management workshops, should be provided to help families manage distress and foster strong relationships.

Kayitare noted that these measures align with a draft law under discussion, aimed at balancing cultural norms with the challenges facing today’s youth.

"While some people fear that sexual and reproductive education may encourage sexual activity, adolescent pregnancies continue to occur regardless. The proposed law seeks to address this reality by incorporating educational, legal, and cultural strategies,” he said.

The research findings highlighted an urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance psychosocial support for adolescent mothers. This includes strengthening integrated support systems that address their unique needs and help reduce stigma, community awareness and sustained sensitization

"Raising awareness among parents about the importance of addressing teenage pregnancies and reporting sexual offenses is crucial, programmes should emphasize that while short-term concerns, such as avoiding stigma, may seem significant, they are far outweighed by the long-term harm caused to children when such incidents are concealed,” Kayitare said.

There is also a call for further research to understand the proportion of cases brought to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) that result in successful prosecution, a gap acknowledged by researchers.

"Protecting children under the age of 18 remains a legal priority, as any pregnancy resulting from sexual activity involving minors is considered a criminal offense. However, gaps in the system persist. RIB actively investigates cases reported to them, but many cases remain concealed due to familial pressure and societal stigma,” said Kayitare.

"RIB can only investigate cases that are brought before them. But our research found that families often conceal such incidents to avoid shame or in pursuit of small economic gains through informal agreements with perpetrators. We emphasise the need for programmes that educate parents on the consequences of concealing these cases, not just for the adolescent involved but for future generations as well.”

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The research also indicated that young mothers facing financial challenges will benefit from vocational training and microfinance programmes led by the ministry of labour and civil society organizations. These efforts aim to prevent recourse to survival strategies like prostitution, providing sustainable economic solutions.

Community programmes focusing on empathy and reducing stigma associated with adolescent pregnancies will be led by ministry of gender and local leaders. To maintain healthy parent-child dynamics, the Ministry of Education and CSOs will introduce communication workshops and supportive parenting initiatives, the report recommended.

"Many teachers do not fully understand the reproductive health lessons they teach. As a result, they often skip over key parts and fail to provide comprehensive explanations that help students understand body changes and related cultural norms. This lack of understanding was echoed by many young girls,” said Diana Keza, the youth engagement advisor at Health Development Initiative (HDI). The latter is an independent, non-profit organization based in Kigali that strives to improve both the quality and accessibility of healthcare for Rwandans.

"Boys are often excluded from discussions on pregnancy, even though they play a crucial role. This exclusion leads to lack of awareness and responsibility among male adolescents regarding reproductive health. Addressing this gap is essential to promote shared responsibility, foster informed decisions, and challenge harmful gender norms.”

The report noted that the ministries in charge of gender and health need to work together to involve men and boys in educational campaigns, thereby fostering positive masculinity and shared responsibility in preventing adolescent pregnancies.

The Ministry of Education and Rwanda Education Board will initiate continuous teacher training programmes to enhance understanding of gender-responsive pedagogy and sexual reproductive health. These programmes will, as noted, prioritise areas with the greatest need and include consistent monitoring and support systems.