Foundation tackles early marriage, teenage pregnancy

Tete Vee Foundation (TVF), an empowerment organisation with a laser focus on the girl child, on Friday organised an interdenominational awareness workshop at Entumbane Brethren-in-Christ Church.

Founded in 2021 by Ms Virginia Khoza and officially registered later that year, TVF is driven by a strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. The workshop directly addressed a national concern — the rise in child marriages and teenage pregnancies. By providing young girls with the necessary tools and support to secure their future, TVF strives to create a brighter and more equitable path for them.

“In founding TVF, my aim was to empower the girl child so that she can be fully self-dependent to curb all forms of abuse directed to the girl child. This was after a realisation that the vulnerability of the girl child is rooted in her state of empowerment, which is ultimately poor.

“We are currently focused on empowering the girl child to create secure marriages. Marriages are crucial, requiring maturity and a deep level of appreciation as they form the foundation of society and the next generation. The issue we face today is that children are engaging in premature sexual activities, leading to teenage pregnancies and early marriages, which pose a threat to the country’s future. Our goal is to raise awareness in the community about this pressing issue,” said Ms Khoza.

Mzilikazi District administrative officer in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Ms Sibongile Khumalo, highlighted the importance of awareness programmes on teenage pregnancies and child marriages. She said that the programmes are crucial initiatives undertaken by the ministry to combat these prevalent issues.

“This programme is vital for both young people and their parents as it educates them on the legal implications regarding sexual activities involving those under 18 and the minimum age for marriage. Statistics reveal that a considerable number of girls drop out of school due to pregnancy. Despite being allowed to continue schooling while pregnant, societal stigma often pushes them out of school, destroying their prospects for the future.

“Therefore, this programme aims to raise awareness among girls to prioritise education and abstain from sexual activities. Young individuals are encouraged to engage in public dating and avoid secluded places. Additionally, we educate both boys and girls to steer clear of social media content that promotes sexuality, guiding them to make well-informed decisions in their lives,” she said.

A teacher at Pumula High School, Ms Gladys Utete, said: “This kind of initiative is really beneficial because some girls lack information and end up facing unwanted pregnancies. When they hear about it from another parent, it becomes more real to them and they realise that it’s a serious issue that every parent is concerned about. The influence of social media and peer pressure on our children is strong, so it’s essential for us to collaborate in finding solutions together.

“The organisers facilitated the workshop to be an interdenominational accord, emphasising unity and a common purpose without adherence to specific church doctrines. They stressed the importance of a community spirit where children are not just the responsibility of individual parents, but of the entire community.

“Collaboration and teamwork are key in addressing these challenges effectively. Parents are encouraged to enhance their communication skills and engage with organisations dedicated to safeguarding children from such vulnerabilities. Also, familiarising themselves with social media, a significant influencer in leading young girls astray, is imperative for all parents as it can help in finding solutions to these issues.”