Exploring the lived socioeconomic experiences of teen mothers in Rwanda

Teenage pregnancy is one of the major public health problems worldwide, with the issue more severe in low-and middle-income countries. While poverty is a main risk factor, the negative consequences of teenage pregnancy further perpetuate the cycle of poverty. To support teen mothers, many support programs were created; however, the benefits which reached them were limited. Since social norms vary from community to community, the types of challenges teen mothers face influence the type of support they need. This study explored the firsthand socio-economic experiences of women who underwent teenage pregnancy in Rwanda to inform the revision and monitoring of programs supporting teenage mothers addressing their specific needs. In-depth interviews were conducted on 23 women who had delivered their first child when they were at the age between 14 years and 19 years. Five major themes related to their socio-economic experiences included: (1) Poverty is a main contributor to their early sexual relationships. Some were tricked based on false promises, some were coerced; (2) Teenage pregnancy had caused them to face various types of discrimination and stigma, leading to self-doubt and self-depreciation; (3) The men responsible for impregnating them neither took responsibilities nor provided any support; (4) They faced financial difficulties and inevitably became strongly dependent on others; (5) Most teen mothers have no complaints about becoming mothers but showed regrets about giving up on their education or their dreams. Financially disadvantaged teenage girls were vulnerable to teenage pregnancy. The financial demand on teen mothers raising their children was tremendous. With the community health insurance system being based on family civil registration, some teen mothers faced challenges in acquiring the health insurance due to being alienated by their families. Dropping out of school due to their pregnancy was common, limiting their future employment opportunities. Stigmatisation by their families, friends and communities were remarkable. The support granted by the government or non-government organisations (NGOs) through the local authorities was not well coordinated to ensure that it reaches the beneficiaries. Financial, health care and school support, with stronger delivery mechanisms are needed. This study explored the real-life experiences of 23 women in Rwanda who became mothers before the age of 19. It aimed to understand the challenges they faced, especially the financial, social, and emotional impacts of teenage pregnancy. The research found that poverty was a major factor leading to early sexual activity. Some young women were tricked or coerced into relationships, often by men who promised money or support, while others engaged in relationships without understanding contraception. In most cases, the men responsible for the pregnancies abandoned the young mothers, leaving them to face parenthood alone. Teen mothers faced serious financial hardships. They struggled to meet daily needs, pay for healthcare, and provide for their children. Although Rwanda has a Community-Based Health Insurance program that covers most healthcare costs, some teenagers could not enrol because they were no longer included in their family’s registration, making even basic care difficult to afford. Limited job opportunities due to stigma and childcare responsibilities forced many to rely on relatives, friends, or NGO support, which was often inconsistent or insufficient. Social stigma was another major challenge. Teen mothers reported being criticized, isolated, or even expelled by families, friends, schools, churches, and healthcare providers. These experiences caused feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and loneliness. Some young mothers were forced to live in abandoned buildings after being rejected by their families. Education was heavily disrupted. Most participants dropped out of school after becoming pregnant, preventing them from pursuing their goals and limiting future employment opportunities. A few attended short vocational courses, but these offered only limited skills and income. Dropping out of school combined with financial dependency and social stigma created a cycle of poverty that was difficult to break. While some NGOs provided training, financial support, or savings programs, these efforts were limited and poorly coordinated. The study highlights the need for programs that are tailored to the real needs of teen mothers. Recommendations include improving healthcare access regardless of family registration, offering financial and vocational support, enforcing paternal responsibility, expanding sexual and reproductive health education, and reducing stigma in families and communities. With comprehensive support from families, communities, NGOs, and government programs, teenage mothers could better continue their education, gain stable employment, and provide a secure life for their children. Understanding their experiences is essential for creating policies and programs that truly meet their needs and help them break the cycle of poverty.