The Effects of Teenage Pregnancy and Early Motherhood on Labour Force in Okumbiri Community

The study examined the effects of teenage pregnancy and early motherhood on young women in Okumbiri community. The research utilized a cross-sectional research design and the homogeneous sampling techniques in a sample population of 1278 teenage mothers and a sampling size of 75. A structured questionnaire was administered, collected and data for the study analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Science version (SPSS) version (23.0) and frequency distribution tables using simple percentages. Based on the analysis. The study found that females within the ages 15-19years 43(62.3%) drop-out from secondary School and had an average household monthly earnings of 29 (42.1%) from#5,000 - #9,000. 25(36.2%) of the respondents still live with their parents as 40(58.0%) of them have difficulty finding employment due to their lack of experience or skills with only with a limited government health and social support systems that renders services. The study further revealed that 48(69.6%) young mothers may have less access to educational resources and support than their peers, which can make it difficult to complete their education with 29(42.1%) of young mothers leaving the workforce entirely, either temporarily or permanently to care for their children. The study concludes that young mothers in Okumbiri community face multiple challenges, including limited access to educational and employment opportunities, financial insecurity, and social stigmatization. The study therefore recommends investing in educational and vocational training programs for young mothers, providing financial support through grants, subsidies, or tax breaks and creating policies that protect the rights of young mothers against stigmatization and discrimination in the workplace and community.