UN MALAWI STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SENIOR CHIEF THERESA KACHINDAMOTO

The United Nations in Malawi is deeply saddened by the passing of Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, the people of Dedza, and the entire nation of Malawi. Her loss is felt not only in Malawi, but across the world where her remarkable leadership has left an enduring impact.

Senior Chief Kachindamoto was a trailblazer, a visionary, and a fearless advocate for the rights and dignity of women and girls. For over a decade, she dedicated her life to ending harmful practices, particularly child marriage, and ensuring that every girl had the opportunity to complete her education and pursue her dreams.

Through her courageous leadership, more than 3,500 child marriages were annulled in her area of jurisdiction, enabling thousands of girls to return to school and reclaim their futures. Working closely with the United Nations and other partners, she spearheaded community-based campaigns that shifted mindsets, strengthened by-laws, and mobilized parents, teachers, and traditional leaders to protect adolescent girls.

Her influence extended to the national level, where she played a pivotal role in advocacy efforts that contributed to the 2017 constitutional amendment that raised the legal age of marriage from 15 to 18 years. This milestone was a landmark achievement in protecting children’s rights in Malawi and was celebrated globally as a model of grassroots leadership shaping national policy.

Chief Kachindamoto also championed education for girls under initiatives such as the IBSA Fund Project, which provided scholarships and second-chance education for survivors of child marriage. Her efforts helped create a cultural shift in attitudes toward early marriage, resulting in increased school enrollment for girls and a new generation of empowered youth.

Her leadership inspired other chiefs to follow suit, and through the Local Leaders Forums, she demonstrated how cultural authority can be harnessed to promote gender equality and safeguard the rights of children. Her voice and example inspired not only her peers in Malawi but also communities across Africa and beyond.

Globally, Senior Chief Kachindamoto’s work was recognized with prestigious awards, including the Vital Voices Global Leadership Award, and she was celebrated on international platforms, including through UN Women advocacy events. She became a symbol of what determined leadership rooted in culture and community can achieve for the advancement of human rights.

As the United Nations family in Malawi, we honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto. Her impact will continue to protect and empower generations of Malawian women and girls. We mourn her passing, but we also celebrate her unwavering courage, her visionary leadership, and her transformative achievements.

Her voice may be silent, but her legacy will echo in the lives she changed and in the movement she inspired.

May she rest in peace.