A new report by Usawa Agenda 2026 has revealed that stigma is and remains to be the biggest challenge facing girls trying to return to school after pregnancy.

According to the 2nd Gender Equality in and through Education Status Report, 45.2% of teenage mothers said stigma and fear of being laughed at is the main reason they struggle to go back to school after giving birth.

The report shows that many girls continue to face judgment from fellow learners, teachers, parents and even members of the community.

The findings further show that stigma was highest among learners in national senior schools at 40.8%, while private schools recorded 27%. Overall, stigma accounted for 34.5% of the challenges faced by teenage mothers trying to resume their education.

The report also revealed that many school principals are struggling to support teenage pregnancy victims because of negative attitudes from parents and communities.

About 36.9% of school heads said lack of support from parents is their biggest challenge, while 30.3% identified stigma as a major obstacle.

Usawa Agenda’s findings paint a picture of young girls who not only have to deal with motherhood at an early age, but also rejection and shame from society.

The report notes that some parents refuse to allow their daughters to return to school, while others feel embarrassed by the pregnancy.

Data from the report shows that 29.6% of teenage mothers said they are overwhelmed by parental responsibilities and the cost of taking care of their babies. On the other hand, another 15.2% blamed lack of support from parents in taking them back to school.

The study also found that girls in mixed secondary schools are more likely to return to school after delivery at 58.6%, compared to girls in girls-only schools at 55.4%.

To help learners continue with education, many schools have introduced counselling and re-admission programs. Nationally, 54.4% of senior schools said they offer counselling to teenage mothers, while 31.5% admit them back to school after delivery.

However, the report suggests that unless stigma is addressed at family, school and community level, many girls may continue dropping out silently despite existing policies meant to protect their right to education.