Child marriage was on a rampage in Malawi before Theresa Kachindamoto, the first female leader of the Ngoni people, stepped in and changed the norm. She has made significant strides in the fight against child marriage in Malawi, protecting young girls, and empowering them through education.

Theresa was born into a family with chieftain blood, but she never anticipated becoming a chief herself. She spent nearly 30 years working as a secretary at a college in Zomba, Malawi. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she was chosen to be the next district chief of Monkey Bay, a region at the southern tip of Lake Malawi.

Upon returning to her home district, Chief Kachindamoto was appalled by the prevalence of child marriages. She encountered numerous young girls, some as young as 12, who were married and had children of their own. Determined to put an end to this practice, she began her mission with a firm stance against child marriage.

In just three years, Chief Kachindamoto annulled over 850 child marriages, sending the girls back to school. Her efforts did not stop there. She worked tirelessly to change the law, collaborating with local leaders and the government to raise the minimum age of marriage from 15 to 18 years.

Chief Theresa faced significant opposition from parents and community leaders who were resistant to change. Many parents believed that marrying off their daughters would ensure their care and financial stability. However, her persistence paid off. She held meetings with local leaders, parents, and families, emphasizing the importance of education for girls. To enforce the new laws, she took bold steps, including dismissing four sub-chiefs who failed to comply with the ban on child marriage.

Theresa’s work extends beyond ending child marriage. She has also been a vocal advocate against harmful practices such as sexual initiation ceremonies, which subject young girls to traumatic experiences. By addressing these issues, she has helped improve the overall health and well-being of her community, reducing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Theresa Kachindamoto’s story is a powerful example of how one individual’s determination can bring about significant social change. Her work in ending child marriage and advocating for girls’ education has had a profound impact on her community and beyond.

We hope her story inspires you to always stand for what is right!

SOURCES:

Malawi’s Trailblazing Chief Who Ended 3,500 Child Marriages (blackgirlsbond.com)

Meet the Southern Malawi Chief who Stopped 850 Child Marriages (globalcitizen.org)

How woman, 60, has saved thousands of child brides in Malawi and helped girls finish education amid death threats (inews.co.uk)