Campaigners kick against ban on pregnant girls in school

Campaigners on Monday criticized Tanzania’s ban on pregnant girls and teenage mothers in state schools, saying the measure fuels stigma against girls and victims of sexual violence.

Addressing a rally in Tanzania’s coast region last week, President John Magufuli said female students who become mothers would “never” be allowed back in school reaffirming a ban dating back to the 1960s.

“As long as I am president ... no pregnant student will be allowed to return to school,” he said. “We cannot allow this immoral behavior to permeate our primary and secondary schools.”

Denying pregnant girls and new mothers access to education is a violation of their rights, said Equality Now, an international charity defending girls’ rights.

“Pregnant girls, especially those who have been subject to sexual violence or exploitation must not be discriminated against,” Christa Stewart of Equality Now said in an email.