Zimbabwe is facing a surge in unplanned teen pregnancies linked to COVID-19 lockdowns, creating roadblocks as authorities push to get students back to classrooms. With schools closed for months, restricted access to contraceptives, and rising poverty, many girls became vulnerable to abuse or turned to early marriage as a survival tactic.
While the government lifted a ban on pregnant students attending school in 2020, only 12% have returned nationwide. Experts blame bullying, cultural stigma, and economic barriers. \"Many families still see pregnancy as a 'failure' and prioritize boys' education,\" says Harare-based activist Tendai Moyo.
The crisis highlights systemic inequalities: Girls in rural areas are 3x more likely to drop out than urban peers. NGOs now push for free menstrual products, sex education, and community campaigns to reduce stigma. Will Zimbabwe’s classrooms become inclusive spaces? The answer could shape a generation.
Zimbabwe is facing a surge in unplanned teen pregnancies linked to COVID-19 lockdowns, creating roadblocks as authorities push to get students back to classrooms. With schools closed for months, restricted access to contraceptives, and rising poverty, many girls became vulnerable to abuse or turned to early marriage as a survival tactic. 
The crisis highlights systemic inequalities: Girls in rural areas are 3x more likely to drop out than urban peers. NGOs now push for free menstrual products, sex education, and community campaigns to reduce stigma. Will Zimbabwe’s classrooms become inclusive spaces? The answer could shape a generation. 
