Senior Chief Lukwa of Kasungu has challenged parents and guardians to encourage girls to work hard in school and achieve their aspirations.
Speaking on Saturday at Chidzenje Headquarters in Kasungu, the chief expressed concern that some parents were discouraging girls from attending school.
“This will not be tolerated in my area,” he warned.
Senior Chief Lukwa further said educating girls was key to ending teenage pregnancies, early marriages and maternal deaths, challenges that continue to affect communities in his area and across Malawi.
He directed subordinate chiefs to enforce by-laws aimed at protecting girls and ensuring they remain in school.
The traditional leader, recognised for championing safe motherhood and girls’ rights, said his commitment was driven by what he had witnessed in local communities.
“As a chief, I live with the people. I see how women are dying,” he said.
Lukwa has introduced by-laws that penalise parents who marry off their daughters at an early age and fine families that fail to send girls back to school after giving birth.
He has also been an outspoken advocate for improved reproductive health services and has publicly supported efforts to reform Malawi’s abortion laws, arguing that unsafe abortions continue to contribute to maternal deaths.
“I would like to thank the government for its quest to look into the old law,” he said.
Beyond health issues, locals say the chief has promoted women’s land rights, encouraging women to register customary land under the country’s land laws and warning against attempts to prevent them from doing so.
“We are creating a better environment for everyone. We will ensure women’s rights are upheld,” he told community members during a Women’s Day commemoration at Ching’amba Village.
Health workers in Kasungu have credited his leadership with helping to increase hospital deliveries and uptake of family planning services.
For Senior Chief Lukwa, the fight against maternal deaths begins at community level, where traditional leaders can influence attitudes towards education, health and women’s rights.
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