Memory Banda: From Child Activist to Leader in the Fight Against Child Marriage
Memory Banda and her younger sister were once inseparable, sharing not only clothes and shoes but also dreams and aspirations. However, their close relationship shattered when her sister, at just 11 years old, was forced into marriage with a man in his 30s who had impregnated her.
This traumatic experience sparked a fire within Memory, leading her to become a fierce child rights activist at the young age of 13. She witnessed the devastating effects of child marriage and decided to take action to protect other girls in her community.
In 2015, Memory played a crucial role in the campaign that led Malawi to outlaw child marriage. Despite the passage of the law, enforcement has been weak, and child marriage remains common in the country.
Memory’s activism continued to gain momentum as she founded the Foundation for Girls Leadership, which aims to promote children’s rights and teach leadership skills to girls. Through her nonprofit, she has helped over 500 girls avoid child marriages and stay in school.
Her dedication and impact in the fight against child marriage earned her a Young Activist award from the United Nations in 2019. Memory’s work has not gone unnoticed, as she recently had the opportunity to share her story with influential figures like Michelle Obama, Melinda French Gates, and Amal Clooney.
Despite her accomplishments, Memory is aware that there is still much work to be done. She is currently lobbying Malawi’s Ministry of Gender to establish a “girls fund” to provide economic opportunities to vulnerable girls at risk of child marriage.
Memory’s ultimate goal is to create a society where girls can live equally and safely. Through her unwavering determination and passion, she continues to be a beacon of hope for girls in Malawi and beyond.
