Chief Theresa Kachindamoto

Theresa Kachindamoto is a formidable leader who has fought sternly for the well being of young girls and women in Malawi.

Since becoming paramount chief in the Dedza district of central Malawi, she has annulled more than 850 child marriages, sent hundreds of young women back to school to continue their education, and made strides to abolish cleansing rituals that require girls as young as seven to go to sexual initiation camps.

With more than half of Malawi’s girls married before the age of 18 and a consistently low ranking on the human development index, Kachindamoto’s no-nonsense attitude and effective measures have made her a vital ally in the fight for women’s and children’s rights.

We celebrate you, Chief Theresa Kachindamoto!