By Yeimi (17) and Gabriela (17), from Guatemala
In Guatemala, adolescent pregnancies remain a painful and concerning reality.
Guatemala has the third-highest adolescent birthrate in Central America — 114 births for every 1,000 women aged 15-19 each year. But beyond the numbers, there is something we must not forget: behind each statistic is a story, a young person with dreams, goals, and enormous potential.
The question is: how can we change this reality?
Many adolescents face unintended pregnancies for a variety of reasons. Some have been victims of sexual abuse, while others have not had access to education or guidance on their sexual and reproductive health. A pregnancy at a young age can alter a life’s path, but it can also awaken an inner strength that drives them to move forward. Yet strength should not have to come only from hardship. We must act through education, prevention, and support.
“It is time to talk openly about SRHR,” Yeimi writes, “when a girl says she is being abused, we must believe her.”
What can we do to create change?
- Talk, inform, and listen: It is time to talk openly about sexual and reproductive health, and to receive truthful and accessible information about our bodies, emotions, and rights. Knowing about contraceptive methods, how to use them, and where to access them is key for every young person to decide freely when and how they want to experience their sexuality. It is also important to listen to the voices of adolescents, understand their doubts, and provide support without judgment.
- Believe, protect, and accompany: When a girl says she is being abused, we must believe her and act immediately. Detecting the signs, protecting her rights, and ensuring access to medical and psychological care can prevent much suffering. Respect for sexual and reproductive rights is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It means having the freedom to make decisions about one’s body, to live free from violence, and to access safe and quality health services.
- Safety and spaces free from fear: Streets, schools, and communities should be safe places. No young person should be afraid to walk, study, or dream. Safety is also our right, and with more protection, education, and empathy, we can transform our environment.
Changing this reality of adolescent pregnancy is not impossible. It begins with information, empathy, and the opportunity to make choices. Every young person deserves to live their adolescence with hope, freedom, and the power to build their own future.
Global Catalyst mentors girls around the world to become powerful advocates and confident leaders. Our signature program, GLOW Club, connects girls in some of the world’s most underserved areas with trusted local mentors and a safe space to express themselves as they develop their agency, find their voice, and build their power. Since our founding, we’ve ignited the power of more than 100,000 girls, sparking a growing movement of youth-led change that is transforming communities — and the world — for the better.
