Malawi Traditional Leader Orders Chiefs to Dissolve Lockdown Child Marriages

Apr 30 2020

Blantyre — Theresa Kachindamoto said an increase in the illegal practice as well as teen pregnancies during the pandemic had spurred her renewed push to save child brides

A senior traditional leader in Malawi has ordered village chiefs to dissolve all the child marriages that took place during the country's coronavirus lockdown so girls can return to classes when schools start reopening next month.

Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto, a well-known campaigner against early marriage, said an increase in the illegal practice as well as teen pregnancies during the pandemic had spurred her renewed push to save child brides.

Kachindamoto joined forces with women's rights groups for the campaign, spreading their message among parents and village leaders across the southern African nation, where high rates of early marriage persist despite a 2015 ban.

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