In memoriam: honouring the legacy of Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto
Girls Not Brides remembers a 'hero on ending child marriages', who changed the lives of thousands of girls in Malawi.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto of Malawi — a visionary leader, fearless advocate, and long-standing ally in the global movement to end child marriage.
Chief Kachindamoto will be remembered as one of the most courageous and principled champions of girls' rights in Southern Africa. As a traditional authority in Dedza District, Malawi, she demonstrated exceptional leadership by annulling over 3,500 child marriages and advocating for girls to return to school. Her steadfast commitment redefined what is possible when culture, tradition, and human rights come together to protect and uplift the lives of girls.
An inspiration for our movement
Girls Not Brides had the privilege of working with Chief Kachindamoto over many years. Her voice resonated powerfully across communities, parliaments, and global platforms. Whether engaging in grassroots mobilisation or addressing regional and international fora, she spoke with clarity, conviction, and compassion. She reminded us all that the rights of girls must never be compromised.
Her work strongly aligned with the priorities of Girls Not Brides, particularly in advancing gender equality, strengthening child protection systems, and promoting legal and policy reforms that uphold the rights of women and girls. Her approach inspired not only traditional leaders and policymakers, but also civil society and the next generation of youth advocates across the region.
In Malawi, Chief Kachindamoto’s leadership was a source of strength and inspiration for Girls Not Brides Malawi, our national partnership that unites civil society organisations across the country in the fight to end child marriage. She worked closely with these organisations to ensure that change was not only led from the top but also deeply rooted in communities. Through this collaboration, Girls Not Brides Malawi has been able to amplify the voices of local leaders, youth, and women’s rights organisations, ensuring that the national movement reflects the resilience and determination of Malawians themselves.
"As Girls Not Brides Malawi family, we've lost a hero on ending child marriages. A true patriot of a girl child. We'll continue the race, and our wish is that the incoming chief will take over the mantle. May she rest in peace, and may her legacy inspire us to keep pushing forward."
Jenipher Mkandawire, National Coordinator, Girls Not Brides Malawi
"Chief Kachindamoto was a remarkable leader whose courage and vision broke barriers and inspired many of us. She embodied dignity, strength, and a deep commitment to her people, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations."
James Gondwe, Ulalo, member of Girls Not Brides Malawi
Taking her legacy forward
As we reflect on Chief Kachindamoto's extraordinary life, we recommit ourselves to the vision she championed: a world where every girl is free to choose her own future, where child marriage is no longer tolerated, and where communities and institutions work hand in hand to uphold justice, dignity, and equality.
In Malawi, this commitment is embodied in our Malawi Accelerator Programme, which builds on the foundations laid by leaders like Chief Kachindamoto. Together with Girls Not Brides Malawi and our partners, the programme seeks to accelerate progress by strengthening community action, amplifying youth leadership, and supporting the implementation of national strategies to end child marriage.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Chief Kachindamoto’s family, her community, the Government of Malawi, and all those who were touched by her life and leadership. The movement to end child marriage is stronger because of her. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in the work ahead.
"Her legacy reminds us that change begins with bold action — and that when girls are free to choose education over marriage, entire communities thrive."
Chancy Lutere, Centre for Human Rights And Legal Assistance (CHRALA), member of Girls Not Brides Malawi
May she rest in peace, and may her legacy live on through the lives of the countless girls she has supported.
In the time it has taken to read this article 39 girls under the age of 18 have been married
Each year, 12 million girls are married before the age of 18
That is 23 girls every minute
Nearly 1 every 2 seconds
Child marriage in Malawi
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Political economy analysis of child, early, and forced marriage in Malawi
Developed by Iris Group, this political economy analysis provides a high-level understanding of the context around child, early, and forced marriage in Malawi.
Malawi
Region: Eastern and Southern Africa