Malawi government has been recognised for its strong leadership and bold commitment to ending child marriages, becoming a leading example in the global fight to protect girls from early and forced marriages.
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Mary Navicha, received the recognition from a global partnership in ending child marriages called ‘Girls Not Brides’ at a meeting held in New York on the sidelines of the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70).
Among others, Navicha highlighted that Malawi has made significant gains through the implementation of the National Strategy on Ending Child Marriage, including district level dissemination of the strategy, harmonised national messaging, and strengthened accountability systems.
She adds that sustained collaboration with organisations like ‘Girls Not Brides’ is critical to ensuring the long term success of the national campaign and to protecting the rights and dignity of every girl in Malawi.
The minister then reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to end child marriages, strengthen institutional systems, and ensure that all girls have the opportunity to learn, thrive, and fulfil their full potential.
Chief Executive Officer for Girls Not Brides, Faith Mwingi-Powell has since reaffirmed the organisation’s support for Malawi and its programmes aimed at protecting and empowering girls across the country.
During the engagement, the two sides discussed Malawi’s notable progress in addressing child marriage, including innovative strategies, strengthened coordination mechanisms, and community level campaigns.
They also explored ways to accelerate action and expand partnerships to reach more girls across the country.
By Doreen Sonani
