'It takes a village to raise a child': loss of ubuntu led to an escalation of teenage pregnancy during the COVID-19 lockdown in Uganda.

Abstract

African societies have traditionally embraced communal child-rearing, where collective responsibility for children's well-being extends beyond familial ties. This ethos, rooted in the Southern African philosophy of ubuntu and the saying 'it takes a village to raise a child', remains relevant to addressing challenges such as teenage pregnancy, sexual harassment and violence while promoting girls' education. This study, conducted in south-western Uganda from May to June 2022, explored these issues against the backdrop of a surge in teenage pregnancies during COVID-19 lockdowns. It involved 143 participants, including 77 adolescent mothers aged 13-22 years. Betrayal emerged as a central theme in the experiences of teenage mothers, reflected in school dropouts, forced marriages and abandonment. Teenage pregnancy resulted in family tensions, loss of childhood opportunities, and persistent shame and blame. Unmarried adolescent mothers faced entrenched victimisation, perpetuating gender-based violence and limiting aspirations for education and personal growth. Findings underscore the importance of revitalising communal responsibility to address these challenges. Strengthening ubuntu and collective care can mitigate the socio-economic and psychological impacts of teenage pregnancy, support girls' education, and foster gender equity within communities.