
The
CSOs want the government to listen to public outcry, following
President John Magufuli’s decision that teen mothers wouldn’t be allowed
back to school after delivery during his tenure of office.
In
a joint press conference held in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, 25 CSOs,
which advocate women and girls’ rights, stressed the importance of
educating girls.
The CSOs insisted that the
government’s decision to prohibit pregnant mothers from returning to
school after delivery would have adverse socioeconomic impacts.
Ms
Rebecca Gyumi, the founder of Msichana Initiative said: "Girls, who
become pregnant, while in school are not criminals, so they shouldn’t be
denied the right to pursue their dreams.”
For her
part, Ms Anna Henga, acting executive director of Legal and Human Rights
Centre (LHRC) said researchers, the media, civil society organisations,
citizens and religious leaders had a right to express their opinions on
the issue.