The lived experiences of single teen mothers during the transition from adolescence to motherhood

Abstract

Teen motherhood is still a public health problem globally, and this happens in different corners of Rwanda.  The study explores factors contributing to teen motherhood and its consequences for the lives of single teen mothers in Gicumbi District in northern Rwanda.  The theoretical frameworks that guided this study were Ubuntu philosophy and motherism. Using qualitative research methods, data were collected through life story interviews with 10 single teen mothers, semi-structured interviews with six mothers of teen mothers, and 14 professional service providers. Processed data from all these participants indicated several factors leading to single teen motherhood, such as elements of breakdown in communication, parents’ maladaptive behaviour, adolescent autonomy-seeking conflict, manipulation and intimidation of older men, and lack of trust. Multifaceted hardships associated with single teen motherhood include sleeplessness, energy loss, inadequate diet, self-defeating emotions, aimlessness, inadequacy, and limited social support networks.  Solving these challenges requires the coordinated efforts of different actors, including social workers, other professionals, family members, and agents in governmental and non-governmental agencies, who can thus provide empowering interventions to teenagers and their families.

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