Theresa Kachindamoto rose to the esteemed position of High Chief in Dedza District, Malawi, back in 2003. This remarkable woman had a noble cause that she championed with great zeal – eradicating child marriages. Despite her unwavering determination, she faced a daunting challenge: persuading parents to abandon the ancient tradition of marrying off their ten-year-old daughters.

So she used the lower chiefs under her authority to abolish child marriages. The people harassed and threatened to kill her. But She ignored them all. A few junior chiefs did not obey her orders and so, she fired them.

The disobedient chiefs were seven in number. However, the Ngoni restored them after they effected her orders.

The smaller chiefs were also ordered to dissolve every existing child-marriage. Many of those girls had been forced to abandon their education. With Theresa Kachindamoto in charge, they were finally free to return to school.

Her campaign to deliver the girl-child, has achieved the dissolution of over three thousand, five hundred such marriages since then. Theresa believes that giving the girl-child some formal education, would contribute to a better society. Therefore, many of them are getting formal education.

The average family in Dedza District lives on eleven dollars a month. Early marriage relieved the families of their responsibilities to these young ladies. Knowing this, Ngoni Theresa has put things in place to boost the economy of Dedza District.

Theresa Kachindamoto did not expect to be Chief. She has older brothers and sisters. She is the last of twelve children in the family. After her older brother, the previous ruler, passed away, she was made the next ruler over almost a million people. Chief Kachindamoto was chosen because she was the most learned woman in the community.

The Chief is dedicated to setting the girl child free to reach the highest level of education without the shackles and fears of pre-mature marriage. The world is watching Kachindamoto and cheering her on for this resolute mission for her people.

It has been twenty years since she rose to power. She is not tired. Her efforts are paying off. Slowly but surely, Dedza is moving forward.

Please drop a heart in the comments section for this strong woman.

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