“It’s easy to turn a blind eye to societal issues when they don’t directly affect you,” they say. I have never been able to relate to this sentiment, especially when it comes to the fight for girls’ and women’s rights. Witnessing countless child marriages in my community and in the communities where I work has only strengthened my resolve to act.
Child marriage, driven by gender inequality, poverty, social norms, and insecurity, remains a global issue with devastating consequences. It is a violation of children’s human rights and a form of gender-based violence that robs them of their childhood. Tragically, around 40 million girls globally are currently married or in unions. Without intervention, an estimated 150 million girls will be married in the next decade. This is both sickening and unacceptable!
My journey into gender advocacy began during my university years, through volunteer work and participation in awareness campaigns and seminars on gender equality. The idea of being part of something bigger than myself—a fight to give even one girl an equal opportunity to achieve her dreams—has always been my driving force.
Through the organization I co-founded, Awake for Change Rural Development Initiative, we have reached over 200 girls with leadership training and awareness campaigns aimed at providing comprehensive sexual education. This is part of our effort to reduce early pregnancies, which are a significant contributing factor to child marriage.
Menstrual health and hygiene are also a key focus for us. Working with partners in rural areas and engaging with young women and adolescent girls, I have collaborated with colleagues on a project to provide locally manufactured reusable sanitary pads. These pads offer a sustainable, accessible, and culturally appropriate solution for menstrual hygiene. Additionally, we aim to distribute menstrual cycle tracking bracelets to help rural women and girls monitor changes in their cycles and seek medical advice when necessary. These initiatives are designed to keep girls in school and target 2,000 girls aged 10–19 across nine rural primary schools in one district of central Malawi.
In 2024, I partnered with fellow gender activists from Portugal and Brazil to launch an online awareness campaign during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The campaign focused on raising awareness about the impacts of child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
I firmly believe that, together, we can break this cycle by raising awareness, empowering communities, and advocating for the enforcement of strict laws to protect children.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
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