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Malawi is nicknamed as ‘The Warm Heart of Africa’ because of the remarkable friendliness of its people. During my very first visit to Malawi, I experienced feeling this warmth myself. I also recall seeing groups of teenage girls carrying babies on their backs.

As Malawi joined the rest of the world last Saturday in commemorating World Contraception Day, the occasion brought a flush of memories regarding myths surrounding the use of contraceptives, more especially among the youth.

Machinga District Heath Office says cases of Sexually transmitted diseases and early pregnancies among the youth are very high in the district because of low uptake of family planning methods.

Indonesia's parliament raised the minimum age at which a girl can marry from 16 to 19, in a ruling which is expected to curb child marriage in the country.

The Yes I Do Alliance (YIDA) has again completed a year with good results. The number of child marriages has decreased, alternative ceremonies have been held (instead of female circumcision), trainings have been given and lobbying is progressing. The annual report gives insight into what was achieved last year.

In Kenya, both girls and boys get trained in school to fight and prevent sexual and gender based violence. The training is facilitaed by our Keyan Yes I Do partner Umajaa.

Recently Malawian Chief Mrs. Kachindamoto featured prominently in the media as she annulled over 300 child marriages. The traditional leader applied a new law which forbids marriage before girls are 18 and sent the girls back to school.