Freetown, 17th March 2026- Too many girls in Sierra Leone are becoming mothers before they are ready, raising fresh concerns about the future of adolescent health and education.
According to new data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), more than 21 percent of girls aged 15 to 19 have already started having children. Experts warn that the trend threatens to derail efforts to keep girls in school and safeguard their childhoods.
Advocates are calling for stronger community action to protect young girls, empower their choices, and expand access to education. “We must ensure that every girl has the chance to grow, learn, and thrive before taking on the responsibilities of motherhood,” one campaigner stressed.
The figures highlight the urgent need for investment in reproductive health services, awareness programs, and policies that prioritize girls’ education as a pathway to breaking the cycle of early motherhood.
