Prioritise issues affecting women: expert

A study released by the Human Sciences Research Council's National HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey last year showed that there was a higher probability for female teenagers aged 15 to 19 to have sex with older partners compared to males. 

Director of the Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS Programme Ramneek Ahluwalia says its important to educate women from a young age so they can make informed and better choices.

''Young girls becoming pregnant and leaving classes, the economy is being affected and of course these young girls are not ready to have a child from a medical perspective. 

''Teenage pregnancy doesn't see a time period of August as a month for discussing teenage pregnancies and women issues only for the month of August but this is a dialogue and an opportunity to do through out the year,'' he said.

The health and wellness programme encourages young people to make lifestyle choices that will not jeopardise their health.

(File photo: Gallo Images)