UNFPA - United Nations Population Fund

Purpose

The project aims to reduce the incidence of early pregnancy in Nicaragua, by promoting and strengthening an integrated approach to adolescent development, respecting adolescents’ decisions and freedoms, expanding their capacities and opportunities, and improving their access to sexual and reproductive health. Nicaragua has one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in Latin America, with approximately 24% of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 having been pregnant at least once. Gender-based violence, deeply rooted traditional practices, the lack of comprehensive education on sexual and reproductive health, adolescent-friendly health services, and economic opportunities, all contribute to high early pregnancy rates. Project activities include: (1) facilitating access to comprehensive sexuality education, and quality sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents; (2) implementing a communication for development strategy on the promotion of values and prevention of gender-based violence; (3) promoting curricular adjustments that allow pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers to continue their studies in an inclusive and respectful environment; (4) strengthening care and protection services to adolescent girl survivors of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, with a rights approach; (5) designing a strategy of empowerment and life skills for vulnerable adolescents, including the entrepreneurial capacities of adolescent girl survivors of sexual violence; and (6) strengthening inter-agency coordination for comprehensive attention to adolescent girls and boys. The project is implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nicaragua, in collaboration with local stakeholders public and private, including state institutions, community leaders, school-parents associations, civil society organizations, etc.