Why is she so important?
In Malawi, the law prohibits marriages before the age of 18, but the local authorities marry girls as soon as they are able to have children, the only role they can have for the community.
<< I decided to cancel early marriages>>, she tells. << So far, I have abolished more than 2500. After the cancellation, boys and girls take the HIV test, than return to their families of origin and to school. I constantly struggle with the mentality of the parents, who consider the school a waste of time. I have also banned sexual initiation fields, where newly entered puberty girls can be raped. I suddenly showed up in a field. The instructors, very surprised, explained to me that they had taught the students the importance of the sexual satisfaction of the future husband. Then then asked me to leave because the men were here for the practical demonstration. I stayed with the girl, they were already undressed. When the men arrived I shouted, “Come! Do you want me too?” They all got away. I had dressed the girls and sent them home. Finally, I abolished the tradition of sharing wife with friends. The women came to thank me. They brought me the sums of money they could afford but I told them to use them for the HIV test. Now everything is under control>>.
This is Theresa’s story, which ends with a splendid smile that demonstrates the true power contained in women.
Written by Alessia Campana