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Female chief puts stop to child marriages in her district putting them in school to be educated instead
Her bold decision enacted meaningful change.
Jake Manning
10.23.23

Theresa Kachindamoto, a beacon of hope and empowerment in Malawi, wears many hats with grace and determination.

Not only is she a chief, a younger sister, and a mother, but she has also emerged as a hero in the eyes of many.

Her journey from a college secretary in Zomba District 27 years ago, where she showcased her notable skill of working with children, to becoming a chief overseeing thousands of them, is nothing short of inspirational.

In 2003, her life took a significant turn when the chiefs of Dedza district chose her as their next leader, putting her in a position to enact meaningful change.

“I told them: ‘Whether you like it or not, I want these marriages to be terminated.’”

This powerful statement from Theresa reflects her unwavering commitment to eradicating child marriages in Malawi, where about 46% of young girls are married before they turn 18.

Now the chief of over 900,000 people, Theresa was determined to leverage her leadership skills and authority to bring about a long-overdue change in a society where young girls were often traded for financial support.

The reality in Malawi, as reported by UNICEF, is that parents commonly give up their young daughters for marriage in exchange for financial stability, pressuring girls as young as 14 into matrimony.

Theresa, however, was not about to let this continue under her watch.

She recognized that young girls deserve to be in school, enjoying their youth, and she was poised to ensure that this became their reality.

Her resolve was firm: change was imperative, and she had the power to alter the lives of nearly a million people residing in Malawi.

Theresa’s first order of business was a bold and decisive one: she instructed the 50 sub-chiefs under her jurisdiction to abolish child marriage in the district and annul existing marriages.

And she meant business – chiefs who did not cooperate were fired.

Her actions ensured that numerous young girls could breathe a sigh of relief, attend school, and simply be children, not wives.

Those chiefs who were fired were only reinstated upon providing assurance of their cooperation.

Theresa was not just making statements; she was making power moves.

Her relentless work in terminating child marriages has aptly earned her the nickname “The Terminator.”

Her influence was so profound that Malawi passed a law prohibiting anyone under 18 from getting married.

Theresa’s impact was undeniable, and her efforts were starting to reshape societal norms and legal frameworks.

But Theresa didn’t stop there.

Not only did she work tirelessly to prevent child marriages, but she also went above and beyond to ensure the education of the children she helped save.

Kachindamoto took it upon herself to pay for many of the children’s tuition.

When she couldn’t afford it, she sought sponsors to assist, ensuring that the girls not only avoided early marriages but also had access to the education they deserved.

To date, Theresa has helped to terminate 3,500 child marriages, and with her at the helm, this number is set to rise.

Her methods are as impressive as they are effective.

She employs undercover “Fathers” and “Mothers” across the districts, who are ready to report to her if they catch any parents pulling their daughters out of school.

Theresa’s incredible journey from school secretary to the savior of thousands of young girls in less than a lifetime is a testament to her strength, determination, and compassionate leadership.

Stories like Theresa’s are not just inspiring; they are essential, especially in a world where negative news often overshadows the positive.

Her story is a beacon of hope, a narrative that uplifts and motivates us to believe in change and to recognize the power of one individual’s determination.

Theresa has not just changed laws; she has transformed lives, providing young girls with opportunities to explore their potentials beyond early marriages.

Let’s ensure that stories like these continue to be told and shared, changing the narrative and shining a light on those who are making a real difference in the world.

Theresa’s story is not just about her; it’s about every young girl whose life has been transformed by her actions.

It’s about empowering our girls, respecting their rights, and ensuring that they have the opportunity to live their lives fully, unencumbered by early marriage and its associated challenges.

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Article Sources:
News
UNICEF
Aljazeera
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By Jake Manning
[email protected]
Jake Manning is a senior writer at Shareably. He can be reached at [email protected]
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