The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) has applauded 16-year-old Caroline Allan from Mkanda in Mchinji district for overcoming child marriage and becoming an advocate for the rights of girls in her community.
Caroline, who was withdrawn from child marriage at the age of 14, took centre stage at the ongoing 47th Ordinary Session of the ACERWC in the Republic of Lesotho, where she presented on 21 April 2026, during a session on harmful cultural practices under the theme “Girls as Change Agents.”
Caroline account story earned praise from the committee members and delegates from across Africa, who commended her efforts that are being extended to support other girls evade child marriages through her engagements with traditional leaders, community rights groups, youth clubs and other community platforms.
In her speech, Caroline highlighted that girls are capable of transforming not only their own lives, but their entire communities if they are heard and given proper support. She further challenged communities as well as state and non-state actors to confront cultural and structural barriers that derail the progress of girls across Africa.
Among others, she highlighted the prevalent patriarchal norms, poverty and unsafe school environments, as some key factors that continue limiting girls. In her speech, Caroline called for targeted awareness campaigns of girl’s rights, increased investment in education, stronger mentorship programmes as well as more leadership and awareness opportunities for the girl child.
Caroline further noted that despite having robust laws for protecting children, many people only learn about them after an abuse has already happened.
“Laws alone are not enough if people do not know about them,” she said, highlighting the need to prioritize prevention of child abuse before an irreversible harm has been done.
Caroline was withdrawn from child marriage in 2024 through the Parent-Child Communication (PCC) Programme which YONECO. in partnership with the Mchinji District Youth Office and the Mchinji District Social Welfare Office, has been implementing with financial support from KOICA and UNFPA.
After surviving the child marriage, Caroline returned to school and sat for her Primary School Leaving Certificate Examinations (PSLCE) and she is now in Form 1 at Mkanda Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) as she is pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse.
The Executive Director of YONECO, MacBain Mkandawire, said Caroline’s journey demonstrates that empowered girls are more than victims of harmful cultural practices but agents of sustainable social change.
“Caroline is not just rebuilding her own future. She is also at the centre of helping other girls from her community to protect theirs as well,” said Mkandawire.
The 47th Ordinary Session of the ACERWC commenced on 15 April and is expected to conclude on 25 April 2026.
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