Teenage Pregnancy and Educational Disruption: A Study of School Dropout Rates among Girls in Rural Malawi

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy is a major obstacle to education for girls in rural Malawi. Cultural norms, financial struggles, and little access to reproductive health education come together, creating a cycle of early motherhood and dropping out of school. This study looks at how teenage pregnancy affects educational disruption among adolescent girls in selected rural areas of Malawi. It uses a mixed-methods approach, combining data on school dropout rates with insights from interviews with students, teachers, parents, and community leaders.

The findings show that teenage pregnancy is both a cause and a result of limited educational opportunities. It often leads to early withdrawal from school, lower academic performance, and fewer future chances. The study also points out gaps in policy implementation and community support. Recommendations include focused interventions like sexuality education, re-entry policies for young mothers, and community advocacy to change cultural views. By exposing the educational impact of teenage pregnancy, this research aims to guide policy and encourage strategies that help girls finish their education and escape the cycle of poverty.