Teenage Pregnancy and Poverty

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy is a significant factor contributing to poverty among women in Ghana. This article explores the link between poverty and teenage pregnancy, highlighting the consequences of unplanned pregnancies for young girls, such as dropping out of school and facing societal stigma. The stigma surrounding teenage pregnancy in Ghana forces many unmarried girls to abandon their education, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. The lack of formal education among women makes it challenging for them to access better job opportunities, hindering upward social mobility. Early marriages and subsequent domestic violence further exacerbate the economic hardships faced by young mothers. The article argues that empowering teenage mothers with resources and education can break the cycle of poverty and contribute to social and economic growth in the country. Comprehensive sex education and access to birth control measures are crucial in preventing teenage pregnancies. The article suggests that long-term investments in women's education and empowerment are essential for effectively eradicating poverty in Ghana and other developing countries.