In the face of deeply entrenched cultural norms, one extraordinary woman has emerged as a beacon of hope for girls in Malawi. Chief Theresa Kachindamoto, the first female leader of the Ngoni people, has dedicated her life to ending the devastating practice of child marriage.
Breaking Barriers as Malawi’s First Female Chief
When Chief Kachindamoto returned to her village, she was shocked to encounter a 13-year-old new mother who had been forced into marriage. This eye-opening experience solidified her resolve to make ending child marriage her life’s mission.
“I don’t want youthful marriages,” she declared. “They must go to school … no child should be found loitering at home or doing household chores during school time.”
Tackling the Child Marriage Crisis Through Collaborative Efforts
Working alongside UN Women, the Malawian government, civil society, and traditional leaders, Chief Kachindamoto drove the February 2017 adoption of a constitutional amendment raising the minimum age of marriage from 15 to 18 years.
Putting this new legislation into practice, Chief Kachindamoto has annulled an astounding 3,500 child marriages in the central region of Malawi. She has also provided financial support to help girls complete their education, often subsidizing their schooling.
Empowering Girls and Transforming Cultural Norms
Chief Kachindamoto’s achievements are all the more remarkable given the deeply entrenched cultural practices surrounding child marriage in her community. As the first female leader of the Ngoni people, she has faced significant challenges in her fight for cultural change.
“I talk to the parents. I tell them: if you educate your girls, you will have everything in the future,” she explains. “My fight for cultural change has required determination, leadership and persistence.”
Lasting Impact on Girls’ Futures and Women’s Empowerment
One of the girls Chief Kachindamoto has helped is 17-year-old Bernadetta Matison, whose marriage was annulled after she became pregnant at 15. “When I think about it now, I realise that getting married at such a young age isn’t a good thing,” Bernadetta reflects.
Chief Kachindamoto’s tireless efforts have transformed the lives of thousands of girls in Malawi, empowering them to pursue their education and escape the devastating cycle of child marriage. Her legacy as a trailblazing female leader and champion of girls’ rights will continue to inspire generations to come.
