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‘If She’s Pregnant, then that Means that Her Dreams Fade Away’: Exploring Experiences of Adolescent Pregnancy and Motherhood in Rwanda

Author

Listed:
  • Ernestina Coast

    (London School of Economics and Political Science)

  • Marie Merci Mwali

    (FATE Consulting)

  • Roberte Isimbi

    (FATE Consulting)

  • Ernest Ngabonzima

    (FATE Consulting)

  • Paola Pereznieto

    (Overseas Development Institute)

  • Serafina Buzby

    (Laterite Ltd.)

  • Rebecca Dutton

    (George Washington University)

  • Sarah Baird

    (George Washington University)

Abstract

Adolescent motherhood can alter the future opportunities available to girls and the challenges they face. This article considers how adolescents’ capabilities are influenced by pregnancy and motherhood, using a mixed-methods case study of Rwanda. Adolescent motherhood impacts girls’ lives across multiple capabilities including education, psychosocial well-being, voice and agency, and economic empowerment. Rarely were adolescent mothers in our sample supported to return to school, for instance. Their pregnancy and motherhood were stigmatised by their families, peers, wider community and service providers. The psychosocial consequences of adolescent motherhood are significant, linked to social isolation and multifaceted stressors, including poverty. Despite recent policy and service improvements, adolescent mothers continue to be left behind.

Suggested Citation

  • Ernestina Coast & Marie Merci Mwali & Roberte Isimbi & Ernest Ngabonzima & Paola Pereznieto & Serafina Buzby & Rebecca Dutton & Sarah Baird, 2021. "‘If She’s Pregnant, then that Means that Her Dreams Fade Away’: Exploring Experiences of Adolescent Pregnancy and Motherhood in Rwanda," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(5), pages 1274-1302, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:33:y:2021:i:5:d:10.1057_s41287-021-00438-5
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-021-00438-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ernestina Coast & Nicola Jones & Umutoni Marie Francoise & Workneh Yadete & Roberte Isimbi & Kiya Gezahegne & Letisha Lunin, 2019. "Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Ethiopia and Rwanda: A Qualitative Exploration of the Role of Social Norms," SAGE Open, , vol. 9(1), pages 21582440198, March.
    2. Petra Debusscher & An Ansoms, 2013. "Gender Equality Policies in Rwanda: Public Relations or Real Transformations?," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 44(5), pages 1111-1134, September.
    3. Naila Kabeer, 1999. "Resources, Agency, Achievements: Reflections on the Measurement of Women's Empowerment," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 30(3), pages 435-464, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sarah Baird & Laura Camfield & Ashraful Haque & Nicola Jones & Anas Masri & Kate Pincock & Mahesh C. Puri, 2021. "No One Left Behind: Using Mixed-Methods Research to Identify and Learn from Socially Marginalised Adolescents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(5), pages 1163-1188, October.

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