By Chisomo Phiri
Senior Chief Kachindamoto of Dedza district has issued a stern warning to parents in the country against forcing their children into early marriages, a practice that has devastating consequences for young girls.
Speaking at a “learning and sharing event” focused on social transformation to end child marriages, organized by Youth Response for Social Change with funding from USAID, held in Machinga district on Friday, Kachindamoto expressed her deep concern over parents prioritizing their personal gain over the well-being of their children.
She urged village leaders and various stakeholders to join forces to eliminate this harmful practice.
Executive Director of Youth Response for Social Change Lamecks Kiyare,highlighted the organization’s success in rescuing 320 children from early marriages through their project in Machinga.
He attributed this achievement to effective collaboration with stakeholders, including the district council.
Machinga District Commissioner Rodrik Mateauma commended the organization for supporting government efforts to combat early marriages in the district.
Youth Response for Social Change has been actively working in Machinga since 2021, driving positive change in the district’s communities.
