Ikinyendaro: Girls who have children while still living at home

Pregnancies among adolescent girls are a global concern. In May 2012, the World Health Organization reported that an estimated 16 million girls give birth every year with most occurring in middle- to low-income countries. Women's Equity in Access to Treatment and Care (WE-ACTx) has been providing integrated HIV/AIDS primary care for women and families in Kigali, Rwanda since 2004. The needs of youth have become a primary concern of providers. Within the youth patient population, 15 women aged 17- 27 years old were identified as being HIV+ young mothers. Each has 1-3 children between the ages of 1 and 13 years, and two are currently pregnant. One reported having completed secondary school, while most did not attend school beyond 9th grade. Stopping school was precipitated by the birth of their babies. Most were 16 years old or younger at the time of their first pregnancy. All young mothers reported experiencing various forms of stigma, called Ikinyendaro in Rwanda. They share living in conditions of poverty, unstable housing, unemployment, and lack of childcare assistance. A support group was formed which the young women report as being a place to be understood, accepted, and supported. Their life circumstances have not changed however. This presentation will present an overview of the challenges confronted by the young mothers and describe a series of educational workshops developed as an effort to improve their life skills. The sessions include topics such as: self-evaluation of skills, budgeting, stress management, and parenting skills.