In Mozambique, gender-based violence is one of the main social challenges affecting millions of women, taking various forms such as economic, physical, and sexual abuse. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), approximately 35% of Mozambican women have experienced physical or sexual violence by their partner. Despite progress made, gender inequalities remain significant, with women representing only 27% of parliamentary members and being underrepresented in decision-making positions.
In the international context, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of 1995 set fundamental goals for gender equality. Thirty years after its adoption, Mozambique continues to pursue these goals, although gender-based violence and discrimination remain challenges to be addressed.
On the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, AICS Maputo joins the UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls campaign, under the theme “Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.” With the goal of eliminating gender-based violence by 2030, the initiative aims to ensure that every woman and girl can live without fear.
Among the most significant initiatives of AICS, we highlight:
- DELPAZ, a project that supports local economic development by improving livelihoods in rural areas as a key to peace and stability, with a particular focus on women and vulnerable groups. The project involves over 20,000 beneficiaries in the provinces of Manica and Tete, with 15,285 women in Manica and 5,504 in Tete. Among the expected results, DELPAZ aims to improve the living conditions of rural communities, with specific attention to gender equality.
- ‘Coding Girls’, which promotes female involvement in the tech sector, improving girls’ access to digital technologies and supporting the development of ICT skills. The project has trained 586 high school students (ages 16-18) and 80 university students, with the creation of 7 female-run businesses in the ICT sector, supported by the CI-UEM business incubator – Innovation Space
- ‘As Mulheres do SUSTENTA’, which involves over 8,000 women, including female farmers and small producers. The project promotes the creation of 2 sustainable production chains, strengthening the capacities of public institutions and developing measures to support female entrepreneurship, agro-food product quality, and environmental sustainability.
Today, dressed in orange, the symbol of hope and a future free from violence, our team reaffirms its commitment to continue working for a world where every woman and girl can live free from fear and discrimination. 🧡
