Norwegian Aid Project Helps Former Child Brides Return to School in Dowa
The current project aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for health and gender equity.
DOWA, Malawi— In Malawi's Dowa district, where early marriages once threatened girls' education, a Norwegian-funded initiative is helping young mothers return to school and combat gender-based violence, writes Esther Banda.
The Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid (NCA/DCA), through the Malawi Girl Guides Association (MAGGA), are implementing the "Ending Violence Against Women and Girls" project, funded by NORAD.
Esther Christopher, now 20, exemplifies both the challenges and progress. She became pregnant at 14 and dropped out of school, only to face divorce a month after giving birth when her husband rejected their daughter.
"My ex-husband tortured me so much and told me to leave his house, saying that in their clan they do not give birth to daughters," Christopher said.
Now back in school as a Form 1 student at Kafumbi Community Day Secondary School, she reflects on her past.
"If I was not stubborn with my parents back then, I would be preparing to go to college or university next year,” she said.
At Mtenje Primary School, where Christopher's story began, Deputy Headteacher Titan Banda reports significant progress.
"We are now registering a lot of returnees. Currently, we have over 600 learners compared to previously where we used to have 300 or 400 learners," Banda said.
Dyson Jim, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for MAGGA, notes a reduction in gender-based violence cases since the project's implementation.
"GBV cases were very high due to cultural practices. We came in and had a couple of interventions with traditional and community leaders. Honestly, we have seen a great improvement," Jim said.
The project operates in 138 schools across four traditional authorities: Chiwere, Msakambewa, Mkukula, and Dzoole, encompassing 120 primary schools and 18 secondary schools.
Gender Minister Jean Sendeza reaffirmed the government's commitment to eliminating gender-based violence, promising continued development of laws and policies promoting women's and girls' rights.
MAGGA, which has worked for over 20 years in Malawi, represents 51% of the country's adolescent girls and young women.
The current project aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for health and gender equity.