Cultivating a safe space for the pregnant teenager in Uganda
Abstract
“A woman experiencing an unplanned pregnancy also deserves to experience unplanned oy.” Patricia Heaton
The goal of this study is to provide recommendations for appropriate spaces for the pregnant teenagers in Uganda. In most cases, pregnant teenagers are forced out of their schools and parents’ homes due to the stigma and shame surrounding teenage pregnancy. Additionally, Teenage pregnancy accounts for a high number of infants deaths and maternal fatalities in Uganda and numerous girl children drop out of school yearly due to Pregnancies. These numbers have risen of late due to the Covid Pandemic which calls for an inquiry into ways in which their welfare can be managed. Currently, there are few well-designed safe spaces in Uganda that provide a therapeutic setting for these girls as they cope with pregnancy and the psycho-social issues they face throughout pregnancy and after their children are born. The main argument of the research is that, it’s possible for architectural space to influence the well-being of pregnant teenagers who may be in a state of despair, but how can it be done? This study will offer designers, the Government of Uganda an understanding of how to create custom designed spaces for pregnant teenagers and educate the masses on how architectural space can contribute to the well-being of teenagers awaiting motherhood.