Navigating Young Motherhood

Teenage motherhood in Tanzania remains a critical socio-economic and public health challenge, exacerbated by gender inequality, limited education, and systemic barriers. In this study, applying a feminist intersectional lens and ecological systems framework, we explored the experiences, choices, and childcare struggles of teenage mothers (13 to18 years of age) in Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Morogoro, and Shinyanga. Through 12 Focus Group Discussions and 115 interviews with stakeholders, including young mothers, our findings highlighted educational exclusion, employment barriers, social stigma, and inadequate childcare. However, despite hardships, young mothers adapted through peer support and informal work. We call for gender-responsive policies to promote education reintegration, economic opportunities, and accessible childcare to address these structural inequities and improve outcomes for teenage mothers.