Girl, 17 left bewildered as garden boy impregnates her

By ROGERS KALERO

17-year old girl of Chambishi Town in Kitwe is pondering on what next step to take after being impregnated by a local Garden boy as she has been advised not to rush into marriage but go back to school.

This came to light when Kalulushi Mayor, Rashida Mulenga

a Christmas hamper to the girl at Chambishi clinic. Ms Mulenga advised the girl go back to school after giving birth while at the same time directing guardians not to used teenage pregnancies as a scapegoat to force young girls into early marriage.

She observed that doing so would hinder the child from exploiting her academic potential adding that it was sad that in

cases, parents forced pregnant girls into early marriages instead of encouraging them to return to school after giving birth.

"The fact that you are pregnant does not mean that you should now get married. You made a mistake when you fell pregnant.

make such mistakes but the most important thing is to put the mistake behind you and be focused.

"Reorganize yourself and start your life afresh. Falling pregnant at a tender age is not an excuse to get into early marriage. You need to develop yourself," Ms Mulenga advised.

She said teen-agers should aim high to bring pride and joy to the womenfolk that had been marginalized for a long time by men who thought they were superior.

She said women could only be independent through education and economic empowerment.

Ms. Mulenga said it was sad that in some cases, girls forced into marriage were enslaved by their husbands instead of being treated as partners.

"Marriage is a partnership and in any partnership, you need to be recognized and given respect. For some men to give you respect, you need to show them that you are not a beggar, but you can stand on your own,” she said.