While our legislators are busy destroying each other to advance on their political motives, there are 20 babies born every hour from child mothers.
Did you know that the Philippines ranks no.1 in the countries in Asia having the highest rate in child/ teenage pregrnancy? Last year, 2013 we were 3rd!
It is not something we should be proud of as a country but it is something we should take action to.
This data on child pregnancy is according to what the Plan International, a non-government organization pushing for girls rights, gathered from our Nationational Youth Council. The child pregnancy age range mentioned in this data is from 13-17 years old which is bothersome.
Our country leaders should stop wasting the people’s money with the useless and time and money wasting senate and congress inquiries and focus their attention on uplifting the lives of the unheard majority, girls who live in poverty and are forced to stop schooling and become a parent at a very young age.
Plan International has been working hand-in-hand withe DSWD, DECS and NYC to know the girls situstion on the Philippines. Plan has been in the country for a few years only and was able to assess the situation.
Main reason for early pregnancy is poverty. These girls are forced to leave school and help the family earn a living and take on responsibility as parent. Most of these girls aged 13-17 was not able to finish secondary education.
Plan makes plan for a community to help them realize that allowing a girl to study and live decently will help them out of povery. Plan pushes for girls rights to help elevate their lives and eradicate if not lessen the rate of child/teenage pregnancy. Education is the key to poverty.
Incidentally, I didn’t even know that there is an International Day for Girls Rights. I just heard of it recently when I was invited to Plan International, Anak TV and Kairosolutions mini concert I Am A Girl at Alabang Town Center for the celebration. With Suitcase 101 band and the all-female choir Voces Aurorae performing and an appearance of Plan Ambassador Mikee Cojuanco-Jaworski.
The event happened last October 11,2014 calling attention to gender equality and challenging the nation to ensure that all girls’ have access to their rights.
A Bike Ride for Girls’ Rights reels off in Marikina City at prior to tge concert with Mayor Del de Guzman, Plan International Country Director Carin van der Hor and Miss Earth title holders who will lead the awareness campaign that also promotes the advocacy for girl child rights and gender equality.
Plan International’s 75 years of global experience has shown that real change can take place given girls are valued. Investing in girls’ education is the right, fair and smart thing to do and will help end poverty for generations to come.