By Wendy Mkandawire
Government and child rights advocates have called for concerted and swift action to end child marriage and other harmful practices that continue to violate the rights of girls in Malawi.
The call comes as Malawi joins the rest of the world tomorrow, Tuesday, 13th October 2026, in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child.
Child rights advocate Memory Chinsenga has described the day as crucial in reminding the public to desist from practices that infringe on the rights of girls and women.
In an interview, Chinsenga expressed concern that despite numerous interventions, girls and women still struggle to access their fundamental rights.
She said the commemoration should push stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the challenges affecting girls.
Meanwhile, government through the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare has urged the public to join efforts to end child marriage and support girls affected by the practice.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry, Esmie Kainja, said in a statement that this year’s commemoration aims to raise awareness on the harmful effects of child marriage on girls’ education, health, protection and overall well-being.
The national commemoration will be held in the area of Traditional Authority Lukwa in Kasungu District.
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Mary Navitcha, is expected to preside over the event as Guest of Honour.
