Supporting adolescent mothers: UCT and UNICEF call for urgent action in education

29 Jan 2025
UNICEF & UCT
29 Jan 2025

Team members from the Accelerate Research Hub at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and UNICEF’s Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office have co-authored a powerful commentary published on Bhekisisa, underscoring the critical need to support adolescent mothers in accessing and completing their education.

The piece highlights how education can serve as a transformative tool, enabling young mothers to build better futures for themselves and their children. It presents evidence-based solutions—including supportive school policies, accessible childcare, and peer-led initiatives—that help adolescent mothers navigate stigma, re-enter classrooms, and thrive academically.

This work is part of a broader collaboration under the Joint UN 2gether 4 SRHR programme and aligns with the African Union’s 2024 focus on girls’ education. By advocating for inclusive, actionable policies, the commentary calls for urgent efforts to dismantle barriers to learning and ensure that no young mother is left behind.

Read the full commentary on Bhekisisa.