#MUST-END: Cultural Practices That Threaten a Malawian Girl Child

#MUST-END: Cultural Practices That Threaten a Malawian Girl Child.

Photo Credit: Afrik.News

#16DaysOfActivism

The GTQF, in its efforts to restore hope to a child, participated in the 16 days of activism from 25 November to 10 December, focusing on addressing negative cultural practices that impact girls. For generations, harmful cultural practices have stripped Malawian girls of their rights, denying them education, safety, and freedom. Among the most disturbing traditions are:

Kupimbira – A practice where a young girl is given away in marriage as debt repayment. Imagine losing your childhood because of money you never borrowed!

Kuhaha/Kuhara (also known as Chitomero/Kutomera in Lower Shire) – A tradition where a man arranges with a girl’s parents to take care of her until she is “ready” for marriage. The cruelty in this is that the man can decide to marry her at any age, even as young as 12, robbing her of education and exposing her to lifelong trauma.

Parental preference for boys’ education. In many communities, parents prioritise educating boys over girls, assuming girls will eventually get married and rely on their husbands. This results in high dropout rates among girls, reducing their chances of financial independence and professional growth.

These harmful customs must end. Every girl deserves a future where she is valued, educated, and empowered—not traded or forced into marriage.

💭 Do you know of other outdated practices still happening nowadays? Please email us at [email protected] or simply send us a Direct Message on one of our social media platforms with the hashtag #MustEnd.

Together, we can break these regressive cycles and ensure a safer future for all girls!