What Young Mothers Want Report
Young mothers have spoken. Funders, policymakers, and civil society must listen. Capturing the voices, realities, and policy demands of 166 adolescent mothers in Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
Adolescent mothers deeply interviewed
Countries surveyed (Nigeria & Zimbabwe)
Demand return to education or trade
Identify childcare as key barrier
Five Critical Demands directly from adolescent mothers.
The research reveals that teenage mothers are not passive victims—they possess strong ambition, clear priorities, and specific systemic solutions.
1. Flexible Learning Schedule + Childcare
Traditional rigid school hours force young mothers out. Community-based flexible schooling with childcare is essential.
2. Economic Micro-Grants & Enterprise Kits
Cash transfers alone are insufficient; young mothers require starter tools (e.g., sewing machines, laptops) to build self-reliance.
3. Ending Stigma in Healthcare & Schools
Teachers and healthcare providers need gender-transformative training to prevent shaming adolescent mothers.
4. Rescue Networks for Money Marriage
Immediate legal, psycho-social, and economic backing for girls forced into debt marriage.
5. Direct Funding to Grassroots Girl-Led NGOs
Funding must bypass distant bureaucracies and directly reach grassroots organizations serving girls locally.
Download Full Research Publication
Includes full qualitative case studies, data charts, country comparison tables, and policy advocacy frameworks.
Free download courtesy of Her Voice Foundation & partners.