LILONGWE, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Malawian president and a UN official have extended condolences over the passing of Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto, known for her tireless efforts to end thousands of child marriages in the country.

Kachindamoto, the senior chief of Dedza district in central Malawi, passed away on Wednesday due to liver failure, the Malawian Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture said in a statement. She was laid to rest on Saturday in a Ngoni cultural ceremony.

Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera said Wednesday that Kachindamoto will be remembered as "a development-oriented leader and champion of girls' rights, whose work earned her numerous local and international awards."

"Her legacy of hard work, patriotism and dedication to the marginalised remains an inspiration," the president said in a statement, calling for unity to continue the fight against early pregnancies and marriages in Malawi.

Meanwhile, Richard Delate, the UN Population Fund's Malawi Representative, lauded Kachindamoto as "a trailblazer, a visionary and a fearless advocate for the rights and dignity of women and girls."

"Her tireless efforts resulted in the annulment of thousands of child marriages and the reintegration of girls into school, transforming countless lives," the UN official said in a statement. "Her courage, unwavering commitment, and visionary leadership inspired change not only in Malawi but across the world."

Kachindamoto received global awards for her campaign against child marriages and harmful cultural practices, including the 2017 Leadership in Public Life Award at the 16th Annual Vital Voices Global Partnership Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. and the 2024 African Genius Award. Enditem