Mozambique: Gravidez precoce, casamento prematuro e fístula obstétrica
The article tells the story of Nalda Matine, whose childhood pregnancy at the age of 13 led to school dropouts, forced marriage and long-term health consequences. Her experience illustrates how early pregnancy and child marriage can permanently disrupt girls’ education, health, and life opportunities.
The story explains how complications from prolonged and obstructed labor caused Nalda to develop obstetric fistula, a preventable but still common condition among adolescent girls in contexts of poverty and limited access to maternal health services. Medical experts interviewed highlight that girls under 18 are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are not fully developed for childbirth.
Beyond the medical impact, the article shows the social and psychological consequences of obstetric fistula, including stigma, isolation, and economic hardship. It emphasizes prevention through delayed pregnancy, access to health care, community awareness, and protection of girls’ rights, while presenting Nalda’s recovery and advocacy as a call to prevent similar experiences for other girls.
LINK TO PUBLISHED STORY
Written by Helena Madanca. This article, first published by Savana, is part of the Media Parity Capacity Building Programme and republished as part of the programme series.
