MORE must be done to protect girls who lose their innocence at a time when they should be playing, going to school, and growing up, says Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran.
She made the comment in response to statistics showing that eight girls under the age of 15 became mothers in the first six months of this year.
“We call on parents, teachers, community leaders to develop child safeguarding mechanisms in all spaces to protect our children from sexual violence,” Ms Kiran said.
Young vulnerable girls, she said, were often victims of predators in their own homes and communities.
“While perpetrators have to face the full brunt of the law, a child’s future is destroyed, burdened with responsibility of taking care of another child.”
Ms Kiran said they were actively working with stakeholders to provide young children with education on reproductive health.
“Our ministry has been very concerned about teenage pregnancies.
“We are working with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health and Medical Services to ensure our young are informed of choices with reproductive health information through schools, Girl Guides, Tertiary Students Association etcetera.”
