When life gives you babies, make business plans

DAR ES SALAAM: YOUTHS are recognised globally as key drivers of socio-economic and political progress. However, they still face significant challenges like in Tanzania, especially young mothers who struggle to find their places in the job market and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Here, the revised National Youth Development Policy (2024), originally established in 2007, emphasises the government’s commitment to creating an environment that empowers young people to actively engage in building a strong economy and promoting sustainable development.

According to the 2021 Labour Force Survey, Tanzania’s workforce numbered approximately 25.86 million people.

Of these, youths aged 15-35 accounted for 14.22 million, representing 55.6 per cent of the labour force.

Although 87.8 per cent of this youth segment was employed, 1.73 million remained unemployed—a concerning figure.

Young mothers, or girls who experience pregnancy or early marriage are disproportionately affected by unemployment, gender-based violence and higher rates of HIV infection.

Data from the Third Five-Year Development Plan (FYD III) shows that formal unemployment among young women stands at 16.1 per cent, nearly twice the rate of young men, which is 8.1 per cent.

Additionally, 22.9 per cent of young women are not in employment, education or training, compared to 10.8 per cent of young men.

Interviews with several young mothers from Kiwalani Ward, Ilala Municipal in Dar es Salaam, namely Annastazia Luwasa (24), Pili Juma (24), Aziza Said (24) and Mwanahamis Abdallah (22) reveal the depth of their struggles.

Forced into early pregnancies or marriages, they abandoned their education and now rely on smallscale businesses to support their families, often without essential financial literacy or business skills.

These stories came to light during a recent seminar organised by Mulika Tanzania, a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) focused on empowering young mothers with self-awareness, confidence, decision-making and goal-setting skills, all aligned with the National Youth Policy’s objectives.

The government, through the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, has called on NGOs to follow legal frameworks, participate in service delivery, and regularly report on youth development activities as part of the 10-year Youth Policy implementation strategy (2024-34).

For example, Kiwalani resident Annastazia Luwasa shared her transformation after attending the seminar: “The seminar from Mulika opened my eyes. I had given up completely, but their teachings gave me selfawareness, confidence and the ability to identify economic opportunities.”

She plans to start a business and has learned about government initiatives, including access to 10 per cent loans through groups.

Mwanahamis Abdallah, also from Ilala, expressed similar views: “I was unaware of financial management or council loans, but now I know how to save, invest in my business, and seize opportunities.” She emphasised that group membership, a business idea and a national ID are required for these loans.

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Aziza Said from Yombo described how the seminar helped her recognise her selfworth: “We are learning to be diligent, value ourselves and understand that despite our past challenges, we can start anew and grow economically.”

She stressed the importance of ongoing business and entrepreneurship education for young mothers to ensure the success of their ventures.

The consequences of adolescent pregnancy extend beyond economic difficulties.

The 2022 Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) report revealed alarming figures: 8.1 per cent of young women experienced physical violence, 16.3 per cent suffered gender-based violence and 8.2 per cent endured violence during pregnancy.

Furthermore, one in three girls is married by age 18 and adolescent pregnancies account for 22 per cent among 15-19-year-olds.

Mwanahamis recounted her experience of becoming pregnant at 19 and raising her child alone after the father fled to avoid arrest.

Despite family pressure to abort, she persevered through social stigma and sacrificed her education.

Her traumatic delivery, which nearly cost her womb, now fuels her advocacy to prevent others from similar fates.

Annastazia’s experience was equally difficult. Pregnant at 17 while preparing for Form Four exams, she faced abuse from her family and contemplated suicide after the father denied responsibility.

Tragically, her child died at age five from convulsions.

Aziza’s story highlights the desperate situations young girls face, often forced into early marriage for survival after parental rejection. “I knew nothing about marriage or family,” she said.

“I’ve faced many challenges, but now I focus on my and my child’s future.” After the seminar, she aspires to grow her small groundnut and cassava business into a major enterprise.

Pili Juma from Kiwalani emphasised the critical need for early reproductive health education to prevent adolescent pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

“We often ignore our parents’ advice, but we must learn from it because their burdens become ours, and men often offer no support,” she urged.

She advocates continued entrepreneurship, financial literacy and loan education for young women, many of whom are single mothers.

The Tanzania HIV/AIDS Indicator Survey 2022/2023 also showed higher HIV prevalence among young women than young men: 0.8 percent versus 0.3 percent among ages 15-19, and 1.8 percent versus 0.9 percent for ages 20-24.

Winfrida Mponzi, Project Manager for Youth Economic Empowerment at Mulika Tanzania, affirmed their mission to guide youths toward economic opportunities and project growth.

“We want young people to gain accurate knowledge and see loans not as burdens but as stepping stones,” she said, noting collaboration with Kiota Women’s Health and Development (KIWOHEDE) to improve economic and technological education.

Kiwalani Ward Development Officer Paulina Kijo urged young mothers to overcome feelings of abandonment and self-doubt by fighting for themselves.

She emphasised that opportunities often arise from adversity and encouraged them to view challenges as steps to success.

“Don’t fear loans; integrity is key,” she said.

“Mulika has given you the chance to learn, develop and build yourselves economically. As strong and hopeful youths, seize every opportunity wisely and be proud of your journey.”

Beyond economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and employment, this project supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by aiming to eradicate poverty and ensure access to health services— including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), education and economic opportunities.

The initiative also helps youths register business groups to access financial resources, provides education on marketing strategies, and promotes the use of digital tools for business growth.

Importantly, it encourages young people to deepen their understanding of reproductive health, gender equality and their social and economic rights, fostering their full participation in community development.