Books and babies

This book steps beyond our oft-repeated concerns about teenage pregnancy, by presenting a gender analysis of the meaning of parenthood for young parents, and the responses of the educational system and stakeholders to teenage fertility and child-rearing. It is essential reading for those seeking to understand this critical area of health and education policy and practice. Rachel Jewkes, Director of the Gender & Health Unit, Medical Research Council Our goal in the Department of Basic Education is to support learners who become pregnant and parents at school, to help them complete their schooling and, at the same time, to promote gender equality. This book makes an important contribution to achieving this goal by identifying the obstacles that lie in the way and by suggesting the practices that will help to clear them. Bobby Soobrayan, Director General, Department of Basic Education We need gender equality in South Africa. We need to build a harmonious, peaceful and respectful society. Young parents in general and the schooling system in particular carry a huge responsibility. In this book we see how they handle the challenge of caring for children. When we all involve ourselves in looking after children, we contribute to gender equality. Mbuyiselo Botha, Sonke Gender Justice