Continuity or exclusion?
Educational experiences of adolescents in the context of pregnancy and parenthood in Paraguay
The research, conducted in communities in Guairá, Paraguarí, San Pedro, and Asunción, was based on 97 interviews with teenage mothers, their parents, teachers, and community leaders.
About the research
Girls who become pregnant due to sexual violence, child marriage, or forced unions also face poverty and widespread discrimination, including school bullying, a new study by FLACSO Paraguay and Plan International reveals.
Key findings
It shows that teenage pregnancy is not an isolated event, but connected to inequality and violence, which in turn reinforces exclusion from school and wider society.
The findings show that stigma in classrooms often turns into mockery, forcing girls out of school.
“I wanted to go back to studying, but I was a little ashamed at the idea of going back and being made fun of”.
Emilia, now 17, became pregnant at 15.
Concerningly, the interviews also found that many teenage pregnancies occur in contexts marked by violence, including sexual abuse and coercive relationships with adult men. FLACSO and Plan International warn that these situations leave girls isolated and vulnerable, cutting short their right to a full and safe adolescence.
Traditional expectations still place the burden of childcare almost entirely on girls and women, the report also found, reducing their chances of staying in school or continuing their education.
“I have to do everything… even when I’m sick, I still get up because I have responsibilities with my son”.
Sabrina, now 22, fell pregnant at the age of 17.
Another recurring pattern highlighted is the absence of men in parenting roles. The lack of recognition of adolescent fatherhood reinforces unequal dynamics and leaves young mothers to face the challenges alone.
The findings point to the need for stronger efforts to promote equality, shared responsibility and non-violence, conditions that are essential to protecting girls and preventing child pregnancy.
To ensure the right to education for adolescents, it is essential to:
- Foster human rights education that supports the development of peer relationships based on equality and non-discrimination,
- Ensure childcare services.
- Strengthen policies and programs that protect girls and adolescents from violence and educational exclusion.
- Strengthen coordination between educational, health, and social protection institutions to provide comprehensive and sustained support.
- Foster teacher awareness and ensure the effective implementation of school reintegration protocols.
Download the research
Executive Summary
Continuity or exclusion? Educational experiences of adolescents in the context of pregnancy and parenthood<br>
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