African Human Rights Bodies Mourn Malawi’s Chief Theresa Kachindamoto
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) have paid tribute to the late Chief Theresa Kachindamoto of Malawi, hailing her as a trailblazing leader whose fight against child marriage transformed countless lives.
Chief Kachindamoto, who passed away on 13 August 2025, gained international recognition for annulling thousands of child marriages and spearheading efforts to ensure girls remained in school. Her uncompromising stand against harmful traditional practices earned her the nickname “Chief Terminator,” symbolising her determination to safeguard children’s futures.
In a joint condolence statement, the ACHPR and ACERWC praised her vision, courage and moral conviction, noting that her leadership “broke through cultural barriers and set a powerful example for Africa and beyond.”
The statement highlighted her extensive grassroots work with families, local leaders and schools, which secured opportunities for children, especially girls, to continue their education free from the threat of forced marriage. Her activism not only reshaped communities in Malawi but also influenced national reforms, inspired policy change, and sparked a global movement for gender equality.
“Her legacy endures in the children she rescued, the communities she transformed, and the generations she inspired to fight for justice, dignity and equality,” the statement read.
Chief Kachindamoto’s passing has left what the ACHPR and ACERWC described as “a profound void” in both her community and the wider human rights landscape. The bodies extended condolences to her family, friends and all those mourning her loss, while calling for renewed collective action to end harmful practices across Africa.
