Emma Watson Visits Malawi In Fight To Stop Forced Child Marriage In Africa

Emma Watson visited Malawi to address the child marriage issue ahead of International Day of the Girl, which was observed on Oct. 11, a day declared by the United Nations to promote girls’ human rights.

The British actress condemned child marriage during her visit to Malawi on Monday, calling on authorities across Africa to end the practice that can put young lives at risks.

Watson, an ambassador for UN Women, met with traditional leaders who have championed the annulment of child marriages in their communities. “Thank you President Mutharika for being a #HeForShe Impact Champion and for making gender equality a priority in your Government!” she captioned on an Instagram post. “Thank you to all the traditional leaders who are implementing President Mutharika’s policies – especially Chief Kachindamoto (she’s in the photo with me, she’s formidable and has been nicknamed “The Terminator”!). She gave me such a warm welcome today. She has implemented the annulment of so many child marriages and restored the futures of these girls. With the help and collaboration of her local chiefs, mothers’ groups and religious leaders she has managed to annul almost 1500 child marriages, sending the girls back to school. President Mutharika has committed to make child marriage a thing of the past in Malawi within the next five years. It was amazing to be on the ground with UNWomen and Chief Kachindamoto to witness their work!”

In 2015, Malawi passed a law raising the minimum age for marriage to 18, in collaboration with traditional chiefs to change local practices. Last July, Gambia became the 13th nation in Africa to join the African Union’s campaign to end child marriage.

“Meeting with young girls, who like many in their country, are struggling with poverty and were pressured into early marriage … made me realize just how important it is for women to be able to make their own choices,” Watson said in a recent statement. “It’s so encouraging to see how such a harmful practice can be stopped when communities work together.”

According to U.N. data, one third of girls in developing countries are married before the age of 18, preventing them from attending school.