When Childhood Ends Too Soon | Gladys Nassanga | Cyata Ep. 2

What happens when a girl is expected to become a mother before she has had the chance to simply be a child? In this episode of Cyata, we sit down with Gladys Nassanga, Executive Director of Safe Haven Africa in Uganda, to talk about teenage pregnancy, the young mothers behind the label, and what happens when childhood ends too soon. We talk about the realities that are often hidden behind the words “teenage mother”: family rejection, trauma, shame, interrupted education, and the struggle to imagine a future after becoming a mother so young. Gladys also shares Aisha’s story, a reminder that young mothers are not defined by the circumstances that changed their lives. With the right support, healing and opportunity, a different future is possible. But this conversation goes beyond teenage pregnancy. It asks a bigger question: What do we owe girls when childhood ends too soon? Note: This conversation was recorded remotely, and there are a few moments of echo and audio interference. We’ve kept the conversation because we believe the stories and perspectives shared here are important. Thank you for listening with us. 00:00 — When Childhood Ends Too Soon 02:11 — How It All Started 06:55 — Beyond the “Teenage Mother” Label 17:25 — When Families Turn Away 31:07 — Trauma, Healing and Aisha’s Story 57:10 — What Do We Owe Girls? 1:08:35 — Giving Young Mothers a Second Chance Follow Cyata on: IG/wearecyata Tiktok/wearecyata Linkedin/Cyata 📩 BUSINESS & COLLABORATION INQUIRIES For partnership, collaboration, guest opportunities, sponsorships and other business inquiries: hello.cyata@gmail.com 💭 JOIN THE CONVERSATION