Role of the Mothers’ Union in Mitigating Teenage Pregnancies in the Anglican Church, Diocese of Maseno South, Kisumu County

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy remains a socio-economic, pastoral, and educational challenge in Kenya, especially in the rural and informal settlements. In Kisumu, and specifically within the Anglican Church, Diocese of Maseno South, increasing cases of poverty, school dropout, early marriages, and sexual and reproductive health education challenges among teenagers have raised concern among schools, families, churches, Non-Governmental Organizations, and government agencies. The study examined the role of the Mothers’ Union in mitigating teenage pregnancies in the Anglican Church, Diocese of Maseno South, using a gender and theological perspective. The study was guided by the African Women's Theology and Afrocentric Womanist Paradigm. The research adopted a descriptive survey design using a qualitative approach. The target population included Mothers’ Union leaders, clergy, Mothers’ Union members, and teenagers within the Diocese of Maseno South. Data collection methods included semi-structured interview questions, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The study examined theological principles underpinning the Mothers’ Union’s strategies and interventions in mitigating teenage pregnancies within the Diocese of Maseno South, evaluated gender dynamics influencing teenage pregnancies, and examined the effectiveness of the Mothers’ Union’s programs such as mentorship, Biblical teachings, economic empowerment, sexual education and counselling, among others. Existing studies indicate that the Mothers’ Union play a vital role in family life, social welfare and women’s economic empowerment within the Diocese of Maseno South. The findings are expected to contribute to the pastoral ministry, theological discourse, gender studies, and formulation of policies on adolescent reproductive health and church-based interventions. The findings reveal that the MU contributes significantly through spiritual formation, mentorship, and advocacy against gender-based violence. However, its effectiveness is constrained by cultural taboos surrounding sexuality, limited engagement of male counterparts, and inadequate integration of comprehensive sexuality education. The study advocates for a contextual theological approach that integrates Christian ethics with gender-sensitive and practical reproductive health strategies. It concludes by recommending inclusive, holistic interventions that involve both genders and strengthen collaboration between church and community stakeholders. The study further proposed recommendations for strengthening the church’s participation in addressing teenage pregnancies through gender sensitive pastoral care approaches, contextualised theology, and gender inclusive programs.