International Women’s Day: Young mothers share pain of rejection

As the world marked International Women’s Day, several young Kenyan mothers shared painful experiences of rejection by their own families after becoming pregnant at an early age, urging parents and society to show compassion rather than condemnation.

The young women, all aged below 25, spoke on Saturday, March 7, 2026, during a graduation ceremony for a life skills training programme organised by Bright Future Initiative and Amka Mama Vision Association in Mwihoko, Ruiru, Kiambu County.

The programme equips vulnerable young mothers with practical skills such as beauty therapy, hairdressing and dressmaking, enabling them to pursue self-employment and rebuild their lives.

Some of the graduates fought back tears as they narrated the hardships they endured after being rejected by their families, particularly their mothers, when they became pregnant, in some cases while still in school.

Natasha, who requested to be identified by only one name, said she became pregnant at the age of 16 and was forced to leave home after her mother told her to seek help from the man responsible for the pregnancy.

Her mother had remarried after Natasha’s father died when she was still young.

“The boyfriend who was responsible told me to go for an abortion, but I refused. Luckily my grandmother accepted me and supported me throughout the pregnancy,” she said.

Now 17 and raising a 10-month-old baby, Natasha is appealing to families and communities to embrace teenage mothers instead of treating them as outcasts.

Similar experiences were shared by other graduates, who urged parents — especially mothers — to guide and support their daughters even when they face unplanned pregnancies.

Esther, 22, said she became pregnant at 19 shortly after completing her secondary school education. She recounted how rejection by family members, society and even her church nearly pushed her to take her own life.

“At one point I even thought of committing suicide because of the stigma,” she said.

Esther, who was previously a member of the church praise and worship team, said she also faced criticism from religious leaders who expected young women to marry before having children.

Despite the challenges, she completed the training and is now working as a salonist, with hopes of opening her own beauty business if she secures financial support from well-wishers.

Another young mother, who asked not to be named, said her mother threatened to kill her after learning she was pregnant.

Her situation worsened after she gave birth to a child with a disability.

“There is nothing as painful as being rejected by your own mother,” she said.

The graduation ceremony was presided over by Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, who presented certificates to the trainees and encouraged them to remain resilient despite the challenges they face.

Karua urged the young women to believe in themselves and pursue their ambitions, noting that women continue to face systemic challenges in society.

“Society often does not respect women, yet we play a very integral role in life. You must have confidence in whatever you do because not all of us will get big and well-paying jobs,” she told the graduates.

She also called on women to support one another, both in overcoming life challenges and in the fight for leadership positions.

Karua reiterated her intention to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election, saying the country is ready to be led by a woman.

“I am the only woman who has so far offered herself for the presidency among my brothers in the opposition, and I am confident they will support me,” she said.

“I am not looking for fame because I have served in leadership for many years. I simply want to help my country and the Kenyan society achieve good governance.”