Chief Theresa Kachindamoto has become a beacon of hope in Malawi, especially for young girls. As the first female leader of the Ngoni people, she has fought tirelessly to end child marriage, a practice that has long been entrenched in her culture. Over her career, she annulled 3,500 child marriages and worked relentlessly to create opportunities for girls to stay in school and pursue their dreams.
Fighting for Girls’ Education in Malawi
In Malawi, only 45 percent of girls make it past the 8th grade. Child marriage and early pregnancies are the leading causes of this high dropout rate. Many girls are forced into marriages at a young age, often before they fully understand the consequences. The impact is devastating, robbing them of their right to an education, a safe childhood, and the opportunity to live a full life.
When Chief Kachindamoto returned to her village, she encountered a 13-year-old girl who had been forced into marriage. This encounter became a turning point for Kachindamoto, and she knew then that her life mission would be to end child marriage. “I don’t want youthful marriages,” Kachindamoto said. “They must go to school… no child should be found loitering at home or doing household chores during school time.”
Chief Kachindamoto’s Bold Mission to End Child Marriage
Upon assuming leadership, Kachindamoto took swift action. She worked with government officials, UN Women, and civil society organizations to push for change. Her efforts helped lead to the 2017 amendment of Malawi’s constitution, which raised the minimum legal age for marriage from 15 to 18.
But Kachindamoto didn’t stop there. Her boldest achievement was annulling over 3,500 child marriages across central Malawi. She ensured that these girls could return to school and pursue their education. She often helped by subsidizing their school fees and ensuring they had the support they needed to succeed.
A Cultural Shift Against Tradition
Chief Kachindamoto’s work is remarkable not only for her achievements but also for the cultural shift she has sparked. In a society where child marriage is deeply embedded in traditional practices, her mission has faced many obstacles. However, she has remained steadfast in her dedication. As the first female chief in her village, she faced resistance, but her persistence has paid off.
In one example, a 17-year-old girl named Bernadetta Matison had her marriage annulled after becoming pregnant at the age of 15. Bernadetta, who had been forced to drop out of school, now recognizes the importance of staying in school and not marrying too young. “When I think about it now, I realize that getting married at such a young age isn’t a good thing,” she shared.
Changing the Future for Malawi’s Girls
Chief Kachindamoto’s tireless work has not only impacted the lives of 3,500 girls, but it has also inspired a national conversation about the rights of young girls. By advocating for education and fighting child marriage, she has changed the lives of countless girls and shown that cultural norms can be challenged.
