Empowering Young Mothers to Build Sustainable Livelihoods
In many communities, teenage pregnancy remains a significant barrier to economic independence and education for young women. Without financial stability or access to resources, many young mothers find themselves trapped in cycles of dependency and poverty. Limited educational opportunities, lack of financial support and societal stigma often make it even more difficult for them to rebuild their lives.
Witness, a young woman from Tanzania, experienced these challenges firsthand. After completing Standard 7, she was unable to continue her education. Without access to sexual and reproductive health education, she got into a relationship that led to pregnancy at the age of 17. With no income and a child to care for, Witness faced an uncertain future.
Determined to change her circumstances, Witness joined Restless Development’s Vijana Tunaweza Program, which equips young people with essential skills in life skills, self-awareness, sexual and reproductive health education, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
Through this training, she gained the confidence and knowledge to take control of her future. Learning about family planning helped her understand the importance of making informed decisions, while entrepreneurship training provided her with the practical skills needed to build a sustainable livelihood.
Turning Knowledge into Action
Witness applied what she learned by taking on small labor jobs in her community and saving whatever she could. With her earnings, she purchased two pigs, marking the first step toward establishing her own pig farming business.
“With my savings, I now raise pigs with the hope that they will breed and provide a sustainable income for me and my son.
Her commitment to building a stable source of income reflects the resilience of many young mothers who, despite limited resources, find ways to provide for their families. Witness envisions expanding her pig farm to generate a steady income that will enable her to support her child and reduce her financial dependence on her mother.
Her story highlights the importance of investing in economic empowerment programs for young women, providing them not just with financial support, but with the knowledge and tools to become self-reliant.
Witness’ story is a testament to the transformative power of youth-led development. By equipping young people with the right skills, resources and opportunities, they can take control of their futures and create lasting change in their communities.
This story is part of our ongoing series highlighting the impact of the Vijana Tunaweza programme. To learn more about how Restless Development is empowering first time young mothers across Tanzania and beyond, visit our website or follow us on social media.
