Can you hear my voice? Navigating the journey from adolescent pregnancy to early motherhood in Uganda: A phenomenological perspective

Garvey, Annette

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy and early motherhood are often constructed in contemporary literature, policy and academic discourses as a sociocultural-political problem. While the challenges of adolescent pregnancy and early motherhood are well documented, less researched is the role of deficit- and problem-focused discourses and their negative impact on the physiological and psychological health, care, and socioeconomic outcomes for mother and baby. This research proposes an alternative feminist discourse, arguing that in spite of these challenges, pregnancy in adolescence and the childbirth continuum can be a positive experience when young girls are supported and empowered.

This study takes place in Uganda, where pregnancy in adolescence and early motherhood can be construed as problematic and negative discourses about young mothers are structurally, culturally and economically embedded in healthcare, education and social support, and the voice and perspective of these young girls are notably under-researched. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis underpinned by the theoretical framework of black feminism and intersectionality, this research explores the experiences of ten Ugandan adolescent pregnant girls who reside within a non-governmental organisation (NGO)-run pregnancy centre.

In-depth semi-structured interviews and a focus group were used to gain insight into and understanding of the girls’ experiences. The findings from the study suggest that the continued construction of adolescent pregnancy and early motherhood as problematic is not constructive. This study suggests that isolation, stigmatisation and discrimination result in disruption in education and the dismantling of relationships and trust. The participants demonstrated a lack of selfhood manifested through restricted autonomy and agency, which reinforces gender inequality among pregnant adolescent Ugandan girls.

The thesis challenges the current dominant discourse of adolescent pregnancy and motherhood in Uganda. Highlighted is the negative impact of a lack of structured support and information available for adolescent girls in Uganda, both prior to and during adolescent pregnancy, and after into early motherhood. In addition to valorising these young girls’ experiences and offering a platform for their voice and lived experience, social changes are proposed that aim to enhance the lives of pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers to enable them to flourish.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Apr 1, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 27, 2024
• Keywords: Adolescent; Girl; Pregnant; Early Motherhood; Interpretive Phenomenology Analysis (IPA); Black Feminist Thought; Intersectionality
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11874240
• Award Date: Jun 27, 2024