The Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Anita Among, asserted her determination to fiercely protect her position, which she claims was earned through hard work and dedication.
Speaking directly to young girls, Among emphasized the importance of safeguarding their achievements and pursuing their aspirations. Drawing from her own experience, she urged them to resist the pressures of early motherhood, highlighting her own rejection of teenage pregnancy.
During the launch of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum to End Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy, Among shared her personal journey as a source of inspiration for young girls. Despite facing challenges, including working as a housemaid and engaging in various odd jobs to finance her education, she persevered and eventually attained a university degree.
Among revealed the cultural pressures she encountered, where girls are often married off once they reach puberty. Reflecting on her own family, she recounted witnessing her sisters’ early marriages, igniting her determination to defy this norm.
Despite excelling in her studies, Among faced resistance from her parents, who prioritized cattle over her education. This led her to flee from home and seek opportunities elsewhere, including working as a cleaner and later a cashier at Centenary Bank.
However, societal pressures took their toll, and Among found herself in a relationship at a young age, resulting in her first pregnancy. Despite this challenge, she remained resilient and continued to pursue her goals.
Recognizing the importance of guiding boys as well, Among advocated for proper upbringing to prevent them from perpetuating cycles of teenage pregnancy and child marriage.
Addressing her fellow Members of Parliament, Among called for concerted efforts to combat these issues through community mobilization, awareness campaigns, and legislative support.
Lower Madi County MP Ronald Afidra, chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum to End Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy, underscored the detrimental effects of early marriages on education and maternal health, emphasizing the forum’s commitment to address these challenges.
During the event, Among was appointed as the patron of the forum, further solidifying her commitment to championing this cause.
Taking to social media, Among reiterated her dedication to ending child marriages and teenage pregnancies, emphasizing the role of parenting and individual determination in shaping outcomes. She expressed gratitude to partners like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for their support in this endeavor.
