Education is one of the greatest equalizers, yet for many adolescent and young mothers in Mombasa, early pregnancies, stigma, and systemic barriers cut short their learning journeys. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS 2022), 15% of adolescent girls aged 15–19 are already mothers or pregnant with their first child. In Mombasa County, adolescent pregnancy prevalence is estimated at 14.8%, which contributes significantly to high school dropout rates among girls. A 2021 UNESCO report further shows that adolescent motherhood is among the leading reasons girls fail to transition from primary to secondary school, locking many out of long-term opportunities.
Without access to education, young mothers are often excluded from formal employment, denied opportunities for personal growth, and left vulnerable to cycles of poverty. Studies indicate that girls who complete secondary education are 3 times more likely to be employed and earn up to 45% higher wages compared to those without education (World Bank, 2020). At the same time, gender inequalities amplify these challenges, young mothers face double discrimination, both as women and as mothers, limiting their voice, agency, and participation in society.
For MYM, focusing on Education & Gender directly addresses these barriers. By creating pathways for young mothers to return to school, gain vocational and entrepreneurial skills, and build self-confidence, MYM empowers them to reclaim their futures. Integrating gender equality ensures that harmful stereotypes and practices that perpetuate exclusion are challenged, while young mothers are positioned as leaders and change agents in their communities. This thematic area reflects MYM’s belief that when young mothers are educated, empowered, and treated with dignity, they can transform not only their own lives but also uplift their families and communities.
Broad Objective: Empowering young mothers through education and gender equality initiatives.
Strategic Objective 1.1: Enhance access to formal and informal education opportunities for young mothers to improve literacy and employability.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Increased enrollment of young mothers in formal and vocational training institutions.
2. Improved literacy and numeracy skills among young mothers.
3. Higher employability rates among beneficiaries through skill development.
Key Indicators:
1. Number of young mothers enrolled in formal education and vocational training programs.
2. Percentage increase in literacy and numeracy levels among young mothers.
3. Number of young mothers securing jobs or internships after training.
4. Availability and accessibility of educational support services (e.g., scholarships, daycare for student-mothers).
Strategic Objective 1.2: Promote gender equality by advocating for policies that protect the rights of young mothers and girls in education and gender.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Strengthened legal frameworks supporting education access for young mothers.
2. Increased public awareness of gender equality and the rights of young mothers.
3. More young mothers actively participating in decision-making on gender-related policies.
Key Indicators:
1. Number of policy recommendations proposed and adopted at the local/national level.
2. Number of awareness campaigns conducted on gender equality and young mothers' rights.
3. Percentage increase in reported cases of gender discrimination in education/community addressed.
4. Number of young mothers participating in gender equality advocacy initiatives.
Strategic Objective 1.2: Promote gender equality by advocating for policies that protect the rights of young mothers and girls in education and gender.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Strengthened legal frameworks supporting education access for young mothers.
2. Increased public awareness of gender equality and the rights of young mothers.
3. More young mothers actively participating in decision-making on gender-related policies.
Key Indicators:
1. Number of policy recommendations proposed and adopted at the local/national level.
2. Number of awareness campaigns conducted on gender equality and young mothers' rights.
3. Percentage increase in reported cases of gender discrimination in education/community addressed.
4. Number of young mothers participating in gender equality advocacy initiatives.
Activities:
1. Organize awareness campaigns on gender equality and young mothers’ rights.
2. Host policy dialogue sessions with local authorities and education stakeholders.
3. Develop and distribute gender rights advocacy materials (brochures, videos, etc.).
4. Conduct legal literacy programs to educate young mothers about their rights.
5. Establish a support network for young mothers facing discrimination in education/community.
Pathways of Change
Education & Gender Equality
If young mothers are supported to access education, vocational training, and safe spaces while harmful gender norms are challenged, then they will gain knowledge, confidence, and agency to reclaim their futures, leading to improved life outcomes and greater gender equality in communities.
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