By Burnett Munthali
The Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare has expressed satisfaction with the significant strides made by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in combating child marriages across Malawi.
Principal Secretary in the ministry, Nertha Mgala, commended these organizations for their relentless efforts in protecting young girls from early and forced marriages, a challenge that has long plagued communities in the country.
Speaking on Tuesday in Lilongwe during a two-day workshop organized by Girls Not Brides Malawi, Mgala acknowledged the critical role NGOs play in complementing government efforts to eradicate child marriages.
The workshop, which brought together at least 60 local and international partners, provided a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, share best practices, and strategize on how to intensify their interventions in safeguarding the rights of young girls.
Girls Not Brides Malawi chairperson, Faith Phiri, reiterated her organization’s commitment to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to eliminate child marriages.
She emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the root causes of early marriages, which include poverty, cultural practices, and lack of access to education for girls.
One of the most prominent figures in the fight against child marriages, Senior Chief Inkosi Kachindamoto, also attended the workshop.
Known for her unwavering stance against the harmful practice, she described the gathering as crucial in ensuring continued momentum in the fight.
Over the years, Kachindamoto has been instrumental in annulling hundreds of child marriages and advocating for policies that protect girls from exploitation.
The workshop underscored the need for sustained efforts in community sensitization, policy enforcement, and the empowerment of girls through education and economic opportunities.
As stakeholders continue to push for legislative reforms and cultural shifts, the government remains optimistic that with the continued dedication of NGOs and traditional leaders, Malawi can significantly reduce, if not eliminate, child marriages in the near future.
