admin
Talk of a great way to utilise power and authority, Theresa Kachidamoto, the senior chief in Dedza district, Central Malawi has just showcased one.
Theresa is presently restoring hopes to young girls whose childhood and dreams have been crushed through early marriages.
As a native of Dedza districtz, she worked as a secretary for 27 years in another district until she was called to take up the position of a chief.
On her return, she noticed the large number of young girls just past the age of 12 carrying babies or already pregnant, with husbands. There and then she made a firm decision to be the wind of change to her community.
She swung into action by raising the legal age for marriage to 18. This proved abortive as people found a loop hole through parental consent in marriage. Undeterred, she drew up legal papers and ordered over 50 sub-district chieves to sign an agreement to end child marriage, suspending other chores who refused to agree to her terms until they finally consented.
To further stamp her decree, this amazing hero took it upon herself to send these rescued children back to school, paying their fees with her personal funds and also beseeced the parliament to increase the minimum age of marriage to 21.
Despite several opposition vehement disagreement with her actions from family members and others in the community, Theresa maintained a firm ground and threatened go disown any chief who partook in any of these archaic practices and has managed to rescue over 850 girls forced into early marriages.
Theresa has since embarked on another project to stop sexual initiation rites these girls are made to undergo in preparation for marriage as according to reports, one in ten is afflicted with HIV.
With raw determination and efficient use of power, Theresa is changing laws and breaking many cultural barriers to restore hope and secure the futures of these young girls.
“if they are educated, they can be and have anything they want” she said.
You Have Made Us So Proud Theresa Kachidamoto! Thanks For This Great Milestone, We Celebrate You!
Source: inhabitat.com
