Teenage pregnancy, defined as pregnancy among girls aged 15–19, remains both a public health and social concern worldwide. In Rwanda, despite progress in health, civil registration systems, and education, the issue continues to demand attention.
According to the Rwanda Vital Statistics Report 2024, produced by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), births registered to mothers aged 15–19 accounted for 5.9% of all registered live births in 2024. By comparison, the largest proportions of births were to mothers aged 25–29 (23.9%), 20–24 (22.8%), and 30–34 (21.4%).
These figures show that while teenage births form a relatively smaller share of total births, they remain significant, especially when considering the social, psychological, and developmental implications of pregnancies occurring at such a young age.
Earlier findings from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) 2019–2020 reported that 5% of girls aged 15–19 had begun childbearing, either already pregnant or having given birth. Speaking to Pure Africa News, Jennifer Abera, a feminist and Communications Coordinator at BRAC International Rwanda, highlighted what she sees as core drivers of teenage pregnancy:
“One of the strongest root causes is limited access to accurate and timely information on sexual and reproductive health. Many adolescents still grow up without comprehensive guidance on their bodies, relationships, and contraception. While sexuality education has improved, gaps remain, especially for those who drop out of school early or live in rural areas where information reaches them slowly.”
This lack of knowledge leaves many girls vulnerable to unprotected sex, early sexual activity, and exploitation. Poverty is another major driver. Adolescents from low-income households often face pressures that increase their risk of early pregnancy. Economic hardship can limit school attendance and reduce parental supervision.
Despite these challenges, Jennifer believes that meaningful solutions exist and can be strengthened to reduce teenage pregnancy effectively, Rwanda must continue to strengthen a multifaceted response. First, expanding comprehensive sexuality education both for in and out of school youth is essential. This should include practical, age-appropriate information shared with adolescents, parents, teachers, and community leaders.
Equally important is making youth-friendly health services more accessible so adolescents can receive accurate information, counseling, and contraception without stigma. Community engagement is also critical: parents and leaders need support to speak openly and constructively about adolescent sexuality, helping to transform norms that fuel silence or shame.
Empowering adolescents with life skills and creating economic opportunities, especially for girls, can also reduce early pregnancies by giving young people more control over their futures. Policy and legal reforms matter as well. Strengthening laws against sexual violence, ensuring safe pathways for adolescents to access reproductive health services, and supporting school re-entry for young mothers can all contribute to long-term change, she emphasizes.
According to the Ministry of Health, Rwanda recorded more than 20,000 cases of teenage pregnancy per year between 2021 and 2023 and Nyagatare district reported to be the first to have the biggest number, and this shows fluctuations rather than a consistent decline. These numbers underscore the continued urgency of investing in prevention, protection, and economic empowerment initiatives for young people.