Chief Theresa Kachindamoto, Known as the “terminator of child marriages” in Dedza District in Malawi, has declared war against child marriages. She has and is still abolishing, cultural traditions that have long supported early marriages.
Becoming one of Dedza District’s Chiefs was unexpected for Kachindamoto. Initially, she worked as a secretary for 27 years at a College in Zomba District in southern Malawi before being called back to Dedza to take on the role and title her family had held for generations—senior Chief. Becoming a Malawian paramount chief (Inkosi) of the Dedza District in the central region of Malawi, she gained informal authority over more than 900,000 people.
As she began her leadership, the widespread practice of child marriage in her community was the first thing that struck her. Seeing young girls aged 12 to 18 forced into adulthood too soon through marriage was shocking, and in a fit of fury, the community chief set out to disrupt this tradition.
“I don’t want youthful marriages; they must go to school. We have now set our by-laws to govern everybody within my area regarding marriages and will leave no sacred cow,” she tells Nyasa Times.
The fight against child marriages
The Chief started with small but bold steps; the grassroots level was her first target. She began by speaking with village leaders, community members, and even parents, hoping to educate them about the harm of child marriage. However, she could not persuade parents, particularly the poor ones, to change their views after they had received dowry. Sometimes, the couples themselves didn’t want to be separated.
Nevertheless, the strong-willed Chief made 50 sub-chiefs in the district agree to abolish early marriage and annul already existing unions. To those who failed to adhere, she used her authority and influence to interfere. She fired four sub-chiefs in charge of areas where child marriages continued and later reinstated them when she had confirmation that the marriages were annulled. She also convinced community leaders to change the civil code to ban early marriage.
“Some people say I am defying culture. But no, I am DEFINING it. Now more Chiefs come to my village, see what we are doing and take it back to their people.” – Chief Theresa Kachindamoto.
With her backing, over 3,500 child marriages have been annulled, allowing young girls to return to school.
“No child should be loitering at home, gardening, or doing any household chores during school. No village head, GVH or church clergy are to officiate marriage before scrutinising the couple’s birth dates.” – Chief Kachindamoto says.
Theresa Kachindamoto has collaborated with organisations like UN Women and local groups, which help provide education, resources, and workshops. These partnerships reinforced her work and brought local and international attention to the issue. UN Women and UNICEF further made plans to work with traditional leaders elsewhere to replicate Chief Kachindamotos’ approach to reducing child marriages.
Advocating for youth education
Chief Kachindamoto believes education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of child marriage. She understands that when girls and boys stay in school, they have the knowledge, confidence, and power to make their own choices. So, she fights to keep young Malawians in school, sometimes using her funds to finance their education.
Her work has made a measurable difference across Malawi, allowing girls and boys to return to school and reclaim their futures. Her dedication helped pave the way for a 2017 constitutional amendment, raising Malawi’s legal marriage age to 18.
The brave Chief has been recognised nationally and internationally for her tenacious efforts in ending child marriage and advocating for girls’ education in Malawi. She was awarded the UN Women’s “Champions for Change” and the Vital Voices Global Leadership Award, honouring women leaders making significant contributions to their communities and worldwide. She has spoken at various international forums, sharing her experiences and strategies and encouraging a broader dialogue on the rights of girls and women.
Theresa Kachindamoto has set an example for other activists and leaders in countries facing similar issues, pushing them to engage in advocacy and policy reform within their communities. Now, every girl and boy in Malawi has access to education and the opportunity to realise their dreams without the burden of early marriage.
