In numerous regions across the globe, child marriage remains a pressing issue, particularly in Africa, where millions of young girls are affected annually. This harmful practice robs them of their rights, education, health, and prospects for the future. Yet, amidst this troubling reality, one woman in Malawi stands out as a beacon of change. Meet Theresa Kachindamoto, the trailblazing female chief of the Ngoni tribe, who has spearheaded the annulment of over 850 child marriages in her district.

Who is Theresa Kachindamoto?

Theresa Kachindamoto holds the esteemed position of chief in the Dedza district, situated near the shores of Lake Malawi, where she oversees a populace exceeding 900,000 individuals. Ascending to her role in 2003, Kachindamoto hails from a lineage of Ngoni chiefs, though her own journey to leadership was unexpected. Prior to assuming her chiefdom, she spent 27 years working as a secretary. However, fate intervened when she was selected by tribal elders to succeed as chief.

Initially hesitant, Kachindamoto soon recognized the immense potential she held to effect positive change within her community. Shocked by the prevalence of underage marriages sanctioned by parents and upheld by tradition, with girls as young as 12 being wedded off, some already bearing children of their own.

How did she end child marriage?

Determined to combat this entrenched practice, Theresa Kachindamoto embarked on a multifaceted approach. She initiated widespread awareness campaigns, emphasizing the crucial role of education, particularly for young girls. Additionally, she implemented measures to ensure school attendance, deploying secretaries to monitor adherence.

Taking decisive action, Kachindamoto suspended village chiefs complicit in facilitating child marriages until they nullified the unions. Despite facing vehement opposition and threats from resistant parents and elders clinging to tradition, Kachindamoto persisted. Her resolve even prompted legislative change in Malawi, elevating the legal minimum age of marriage from 15 to 18.

Further, she waged a campaign against harmful cultural rites, such as the detrimental “sexual cleansing” ritual, which exposed young girls to sexual violence and diseases following their first menstruation.

Her relentless efforts have earned her numerous accolades, yet Kachindamoto maintains that her greatest reward lies in witnessing girls reclaim their education and pursue their aspirations.

Why does it matter?

Theresa Kachindamoto’s unwavering dedication is not only inspiring but also transformative. By rescuing hundreds of girls from the clutches of misery and exploitation, she affords them the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. In empowering these girls to assert their rights, Kachindamoto challenges existing norms and reshapes mindsets.

Her remarkable example transcends borders, serving as a testament to the potential for change even in the face of adversity. She exemplifies the pivotal role women can play as leaders and catalysts for progress.

Moreover, Kachindamoto’s endeavors offer a blueprint for other African nations grappling with the scourge of child marriage and gender disparities. Her success underscores the feasibility of ending this harmful practice and fostering a brighter future for girls continent-wide.

In a trend that’s bubbling up, the world of banquet bathing is making waves, and it’s not just a niche hobby anymore. According to a 2022 study by StudyFinds, one in five individuals regularly indulge in dining experiences within the confines of their bath. Surprisingly, even celebrities are diving into this trend. Kourtney Kardashian, for instance, has flaunted her bath feasts on social media, showcasing a spread that includes burgers, fruit, and champagne. Meanwhile, Jessica Biel recently sparked a conversation on TikTok by professing her love for shower dining, advocating for what she calls a “shower-eating movement.”

Fueling this aquatic gastronomic revolution is meme connoisseur Justin Deveaux, whose brainchild, @bathfoods, has been making waves on Instagram and Reddit. The 28-year-old from Boston, also known for his meme page @shippedbeans, initially noticed a flood of bath-related submissions on the latter platform. “People were sending so many bath photos to Shipped Beans that I decided to create an entirely separate account dedicated to it six months ago,” Deveaux shared with VICE. “People who eat in the bath are a growing community.”

Since its inception, Bath Foods has garnered an impressive 18,000 followers on Instagram, with Deveaux fielding over 140 submissions weekly. The feed showcases individuals indulging in a variety of cuisines while submerged in soapy water, ranging from Taco Bell to sushi to rotisserie chickens. Interestingly, many participants opt to don socks, perhaps as a measure to prevent the experience from veering into the territory of foot fetishism.

As the trend gains momentum, it seems that banquet bathing is not merely a passing fad but a thriving subculture, with enthusiasts finding camaraderie and connection through shared experiences in the tub.

In the heart of Chinese weddings during the 1980s and ’90s, an unexpected tradition unfolded: brides were tasked with lighting cigarettes for every male guest at the banquet as a gesture of appreciation. This peculiar custom, unknown to many, has recently come to light thanks to the keen eye of Thomas Sauvin, a French photography collector and editor residing in China for over a decade.

Sauvin stumbled upon a captivating image depicting a couple indulging in a hand-made cigarette bong at their wedding, sparking his curiosity about this overlooked aspect of Chinese culture. His journey into uncovering such forgotten traditions began in 2009 when he stumbled upon a treasure trove of discarded 35mm negatives in a Beijing landfill. Recognizing the value in these remnants of everyday life, Sauvin embarked on the Beijing Silvermine archival project, amassing an impressive collection of over 500,000 negatives spanning from 1985 to the early 2000s.

Driven by his fascination with the candid moments captured in these photographs, Sauvin dedicated months to meticulously combing through his archive in search of traces of the cigarette-lighting tradition. Unlike typical found-photography projects centered around individual lives, Sauvin found himself piecing together a broader narrative of a disappearing custom that continues to intrigue even contemporary Chinese audiences.

The culmination of Sauvin’s efforts is presented in a pocket-sized photobook titled “Until Death Do Us Part,” accompanied by a unique packaging of Double Happiness Cigarettes, a well-known Chinese brand often associated with weddings. Sauvin reveals that the 1,000 packs used for the book were sourced through a crowd-sourcing campaign on Chinese social media, further emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project.

Published by Jiazazhi, an esteemed independent photobook publisher in China, “Until Death Do Us Part” joins a distinguished roster of award-winning titles. Sauvin’s decision to partner with Jiazazhi was driven by a desire to ensure accessibility to Chinese audiences despite the challenges posed by the country’s stringent publishing regulations.

The reception of Sauvin’s work in China has been overwhelmingly positive, with 800 copies of the book sold within the first month, half of which were purchased by domestic readers. Sauvin reflects on the initial surprise expressed by Chinese audiences at his interest in seemingly mundane snapshots of recent history, but notes a shift in perspective as they delve into the unexpected narratives woven through his archive.

Beyond preserving vanishing customs, Sauvin sees his collection as a window into the lives of ordinary people, offering a nuanced portrayal of China that challenges Western stereotypes. Through his work, he hopes to bridge cultural divides and foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of Chinese society.

As the tradition of the hand-made cigarette bong fades into obscurity, Sauvin remains optimistic about the enduring significance of his collection in preserving a piece of history crafted by everyday individuals. He believes that by shining a light on these forgotten customs, there may be a chance to revitalize interest and keep these cultural traditions alive for future generations