This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
On August 7, 2020, NTV aired a clip on the Funga Miguu initiative in Kajiado South sub-county, aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies.
However, the initiative's name and messaging sparked controversy, with many arguing that it perpetuates shame and stigma towards pregnant teenage girls.
As Faith Oneya notes, the phrase 'Close your legs!' is often used to shame girls for not sitting 'properly', but it's actually a metaphor for the societal expectation that girls should be virgins.
According to Plan International, teenage pregnancy increases when girls are denied the right to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and well-being.
Instead of shaming girls, Oneya argues that we should be empowering them with knowledge and information to navigate the challenges of life.
She suggests that the real revolution will happen when we stop shaming pregnant teenage girls and start providing them with the support they need.
As Oneya comments, 'Girls don't need to be told to close their legs. It's the perpetrators of sexual violence who need to be told to zip up.'
