Photo: Women from the provinces of Sofala, Tete, and Manica, singing “Mexeu com uma, mexeu com todas”
From November 20 to 21, 2023, the first solidarity camp of DELPAZ took place in the Province of Manica, specifically in Inhazónia, in the District of Bárue. The idea of solidarity camps emerged in 2014, during the resumption of hostilities between FRELIMO and RENAMO[1]. This concept originated from the Group of Women for Idea Sharing in Sofala (GMPIS), evolving into an initiative to give a voice to women affected by the conflict in central Mozambique. As explained by the camp organizer, Inês Chamuchifinha, “the idea of the solidarity camp emerged to be a space where women feel safe to express and share what is within them.” Since then, dozens of solidarity camps have been organized across the country.
The camp in Inhazónia brought together 250 participants, women and men from the provinces of Tete, Manica, and Sofala. Following the principles of other camps, based on solidarity, inclusion, and diversity, all camp food was prepared based on solidarity principles by women from the community, using local products. The event saw the participation of various individuals, including religious leaders, local government members, traditional leaders, and farmers, all united with the goal of achieving gender equality.
Domingas Sebastião, a GMPIS member, highlights that the provinces of Manica, Tete, and Sofala were the most affected by the war. One of the main objectives of the camp is to facilitate the exchange of experiences so that “women, when they leave here, can bring peace to their families, communities, and even to the Province.” In this context, discussions about the United Nations Resolution 1325, recognizing the significant role of women in peacebuilding and maintenance, promoting their active and equal participation in decision-making processes, take center stage.
Apart from this perspective, participants are organized into groups exploring three other central themes: Armed Conflicts, Climate Change, and Human Rights. Ines Chamuchifinha clarifies that, in the space dedicated to Human Rights, women address issues related to gender-based violence, including forced and early marriages[2], with the aim that “women learn to say no and assert that, as women, they have their rights.”
The camp observes the participation of men. Ines Chamuchifinha explains that, aligned with the movement launched by UN Women, HeForShe, which seeks to involve men in promoting gender equality, it is crucial to have men in the camp, as they “understand women’s rights and comprehend their daily challenges.” Indeed, during the event, a group of men engaged in discussions about toxic masculinity and positive masculinity.
Amélia Andalusa, who came from the District of Macossa, specifically from Dunda, expresses her enthusiasm, sharing that this is the second time she has participated in a camp. For her, these events represent moments of camaraderie, where “we talk with many women, mothers, and their children, all in an atmosphere of harmony and peace.” Thus, to promote the participation of all, the camp utilizes community feminist methods, including dialogues in local languages to foster empathy and strengthen self-esteem.
Amélia emphasizes that, now that she no longer lives in a war environment, she can “work on the farm, feed the children, and take them to school.” However, she warns of the need to create economic opportunities for women, as many companies in her province often “only hire men.” She expresses hope that the declaration drafted at the end of the camp – which will serve as an advocacy tool – includes the crucial need to promote the hiring of women. This aligns with the camp’s motto: “Women empowered for peace, social inclusion, and local economic empowerment.”
DELPAZ, funded by the European Union in Mozambique, is a program of the Mozambican government that operates in 14 districts of the provinces of Manica, Tete, and Sofala for peace consolidation. In the Province of Manica, the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development (AICS) supports economic development, collaborating with local authorities and a consortium of Italian and local civil society organizations, led by Helpcode.
[1] On October 21, 2013, RENAMO announced the end of the Rome General Peace Agreement after government forces attacked the RENAMO base in Gorongosa, in the center of the country. The armed conflict persisted until August 5, 2014, when both parties reached an agreement to cease hostilities.
[2] According to UNICEF data, Mozambique has one of the highest rates of early marriage in the world, affecting nearly one in two girls, and is the second-highest in East and Southern Africa. Approximately 48% of women in Mozambique aged 20 to 24 have married or entered into a union before the age of 18, and 14% before the age of 15 (IDS, 2011).
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