World Population Day: "Statement by a Victim of Teenage Pregnancy"

Paulo's powerful statement chronicling teen pregnancy in Namibia was delivered during the launch of the 2022 State of World Population report on World Population Day, 11 July 2022.

I remember in 2017 when I met this guy. 

He was tall, quite bold and he said all the beautiful things that I wanted to hear. 

And in 2018, we started dating. I mean…. I was in love! 

Until all hell broke loose. 

In 2019, I fell pregnant. And I was only 17 years old. 

So what was I going to do now? 

Director of ceremonies, distinguished guests. 

Allow me to stand on the already established protocol. 

My name is Cynthyia Paulo and I have a story to tell. 

Because I am a victim of teenage pregnancy. 

Kavango region is among the regions with high rates of teenage pregnancies. 

But until we end the norm that talking about sexual matters is a taboo,  

We will continue to watch it rise endlessly. 

I am a victim of teenage pregnancy. 

But I’m young, so I will find fault in my elders so senselessly.  

Because actually… 

When I was in high school, the ministry of education, arts and culture did not put up serious life  

skills teachers that would confidently educate me on sexual matters.  

But does that even matter? 

Because as a Namibian, I am a Christian. 

But who could I run to if my church elders are too stunned to talk about sexual reproductive health. 

But maybe my life would’ve been better if they directed me on how to develop healthy relations for myself.  

I need to mention that I am a 3rd year student, doing my Honours degree in nursing at the university. 

Because when I was working at Nkarapawe clinic, I came across a 16-year-old girl that was facing adversity. 

She came to the clinic in hopes of beginning family planning. 

And I am assuming that she had knowledge on different contraceptive methods to use because, she specifically opted for the two-month injection. 

But let I tell you, that! was the devil’s rejection. 

We didn’t have any.  

And so this young girl had no choice but to walk back home, whilst my elders in power sit on their thrones. 

Because as a ministry of health, we are failing to keep these contraceptives in stock. 

So we will continue to fall pregnant, while people just laugh and mock. So let’s talk!’ 

Did that young girl fall pregnant? I don’t know. 

But maybe if we sit down and count the numbers, statistics will show  

How the ministry is so slow! 

But hold on. 

Enough pointing fingers. 

We all know how this news lingers.

I chose to have sex without using a condom.  

And where did I think that would take me? To London? 

Now I’m worried about having this baby. 

Leaving my childhood to become a young lady? Or maybe! 

I could boil newspapers and drink the chemicals of it. 

Or perhaps drink concentrated juice to get rid of it? I believe in it! 

Ugg, how silly of me seriously. 

Trying to make a serious decision on my own so ridiculously? 

So as a community. 

I’m talking parents, I’m talking leaders till infinity. 

We should work with one another. 

Spread out afar in the villages and motivate one another. 

And as ministries.

I’m talking stakeholders. 

We should work together and try to form a back holder. 

To ensure proper sexuality in schools 

and most importantly… 

the availability of contraceptives at clinics and in village campaigns. 

But because I am a victim of teenage pregnancy. 

My story doesn’t have to end. 

I still have a lot to unfold and to mend. Because my story didn’t end. So my friend! 

My name is Cynthyia Paulo and I am a victim of teenage pregnancy. 

I have a 2-year-old son that is growing so miraculously. 

And so I stand here to tell you so confidently. 

That I am a 3rd year student doing my honours degree at the university. 

And my future doesn’t hold any adversity. 

But my dear friends. 

If you are still young and are holding your life so tenderly. 

Please uphold your dignity! Because I don’t want you to walk in my shoes. 

And that’s why I’m right here trying to encourage you 

As I stand here to give advice.

I’d say “get your education before bringing a new life”. 

Have safe sex and do it right.