Awareness on teenage pregnancy and its associated risks still remains low in rural areas. In Chhukha, there were about seven cases of teenage pregnancy last year. Four of which were unreported cases. All the cases happened in rural areas. Therefore, celebrating the World Menstrual Hygiene Day today, RENEW and the Phuentshogling Thromde launched an advocacy campaign to prevent teenage pregnancy.
The stakeholders will take the advocacy programme to all schools in Chhukha. The advocacy programme started from Phuentshogling Thromde schools.
RENEW officials said that compared to urban areas, people in remote places are not aware of teenage pregnancy.
“Under the Phuentshogling Thromde, we have not come across any cases of teenage pregnancy but it does not mean we should wait for it to happen. Teenage pregnancy usually happens in remote areas where the affected children, parents, and the community are not aware of the laws and the prevention methods,” said Pema Choki, Centre Manager of RENEW Community Service Centre in Phuentshogling.
Students from Phuentshogling Thromde schools said that they are aware of teenage pregnancy and its consequences.
They said they knew about teenage pregnancy through the awareness programmes.
“It will have many impacts both mentally and physically because the body of the girl is not ready to go through pregnancy. And I came to know about teenage pregnancy from my teachers and parents,” said Priyanka Tiwari, a student of Phuentshogling Higher Secondary School.
“Many girls are aware of it but many more should understand about teenage pregnancy including elderly people and the community at large. Enhancing awareness will only help the girls,” said Neethya Pradhan, another student of Phuentshogling Higher Secondary School.
“My friends and I know about teenage pregnancy because we are members of DAISAN. We have classes every Wednesday where awareness on issues like teenage pregnancy is made,” said Krichhi Bumgchang, a student of Sonamgang Primary School.
“If events like this are not organised, there will be many cases in the future. It can affect a girl mentally and physically. So, with events like this, girls can be aware and be safe,” said Ngawang Dema, another student of Sonamgang Primary School.
As RENEW works towards preventing teenage pregnancy in rural areas, officials are urging all relevant stakeholders to collaborate towards this effort.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
