Former National Women’s Council Chairperson Faridah Kibowa has called for the legal empowerment of women leaders in Kayunga District to strengthen their capacity to protect women’s rights, address teenage pregnancies and reduce maternal deaths.
Kibowa said women leaders needed a better understanding of laws governing women’s rights to enable them to advocate effectively for the protection of girls, promote responsible parenthood and improve access to maternal healthcare.
She made the remarks during the handover and swearing-in ceremony of the new Kayunga District Women’s Council, held at the district hall in Ntenjeru.
Kibowa expressed concern over the continued prevalence of teenage pregnancies in the district, warning that the problem threatens the health, education and future prospects of young girls.
She also raised concern about the choices some expectant mothers make during childbirth, noting that while many pregnant girls attend health facilities for antenatal care, some turn to traditional birth attendants when it is time to deliver.
“We receive information that most pregnant girls report to health facilities for antenatal care, but when it comes to delivery, they opt to go to traditional birth attendants. This is a dangerous practice that has ruined lives,” Kibowa said.
She warned that childbirth without the assistance of skilled health professionals could expose mothers and their babies to preventable complications, particularly when emergencies arise and timely medical intervention is needed.
Kibowa urged women leaders to intensify community sensitisation on the risks associated with teenage pregnancies and the importance of delivering in health facilities under the supervision of skilled birth attendants.
She emphasised that legal awareness should go hand in hand with health education, enabling women and girls to understand their rights and seek appropriate assistance when faced with reproductive health challenges.
The outgoing chairperson also called on local leaders, parents and other stakeholders to work together to protect girls from early pregnancies and ensure that expectant mothers receive appropriate medical care throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
She said the newly sworn-in women leaders had an important role to play in mobilising communities, advocating for women’s welfare and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing maternal deaths.
Kibowa’s remarks highlight the need for stronger community engagement, improved legal awareness and sustained health education to address teenage pregnancies, encourage skilled birth attendance and ensure women and girls can access the information and services they need to protect their health and future.