GIRL CHILD EDUCATION AND ADOLESCENCE PREGNANCY AN ASSESSMENT OF UNFPA ADVOCACY

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy is a complex issue with social, economic, and health implications. Factors such as poor access to health care and education, gender inequality, and limited access to comprehensive sexual education contribute to the issue. This study examined the girl child education and adolescent pregnancy in Nigeria and the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) advocacy concerning education and adolescent pregnancy. Adopting the Social Learning Theory, it examined the persistence of adolescent pregnancy in Nigeria, despite UNFPA advocacy efforts. The qualitative research approach was adopted to generate the secondary data which were obtained from published articles and online sources. The MAXQDA thematic analysis was used to generate data analysis. The study found that a comprehensive strategy is needed to prevent adolescent pregnancy, including advancing gender equality and increasing access to contraception. The study also found out that early marriage and cultural misconception limits the girl child’s education. The study recommends that collaborations between UNFPA, the Association for Reproductive and Family Health, and other organizations are needed to strengthen comprehensive sexual education, advocate for gender equality, improve access to reproductive health services, and support economic empowerment.