Mozambican Women's Day 2023

Christina always wanted to be a construction worker, but due to societal expectations, she was struggling to position herself as a woman wanting to do a traditionally considered “man’s job”. As part of IOM's peacebuilding interventions to strengthen social cohesion in Cabo Delgado, Christina was engaged through a cash-for-work project on the construction of the drainage system in her neighbourhood of Paquitequete in Pemba, Cabo Delgado. Christina feels that this has given her more opportunities and people now trust her capacity to deliver in this traditionally male-dominated sector: “What I am most pleased about is that I have instilled a sense of hope in young women to have the confidence that they too can contribute,” says Christina.  

Young women have turned to Christina for guidance and support, and shehe continues to support them to join schools and seek employment. She is certain that this experience has not only been beneficial for her, but for the whole community: “I perceive a greater sense of respect among my neighbours after having worked together for the benefit of our community, and more responsibility towards the peace and stability of the community, reducing criminality and increasing harmony.” 

Filomena is one of the 15 members of the youth committee of the Saul Relocation Site in Metuge District, Cabo Delgado. She is 23 years old and the head of her household. Before becoming a committee member, she felt like she couldn’t provide ideas or advocate for change in the site where she lives. She felt excluded: “Everyone acted as if our role as women was to work at home and farm in the fields, and up to a point, I didn't question that,” says Filomena. Thanks to the committee set up with the support of IOM, she discovered that she can speak up and contribute actively to decisions made at the site.

Together with the other committee members, Filomena gets to organize activities for youth, such as sports but also discussion groups to think about improving the site, with initiatives such as helping the elderly and cleaning campaigns. “The most important contribution is that we have come together as women and shown that not only can we give our opinions, but that we have a lot to contribute to! Inspiring other girls and youth women to contribute to our community has changed my life and many others.” 

For three years after her arrival at Marokani Relocation Site in Ancuabe, Cabo Delgado, Magreth was unemployed. “I had to leave my job in Macomia, and it was very hard not to be able to take it up again in my new home” she recalls. Through IOM's Shelter and Housing Programme, she has received training in resilient construction techniques, and she has been engaged in the construction and rehabilitation of houses in her community.

Initially, she worked as an assistant, but her interest and effort to learn has led her to now be part of the supervision team. “It is necessary to have women involved in the development of our community, and even more so in positions of responsibility. I am very proud of what I have achieved and every day I encourage other women to believe in themselves and come forward.” 

Averge is a 21-year-old woman from Montepuez District, Cabo Delgado. After receiving training on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), she became a Change Agent, tasked with raising community awareness especially among her peers. “I can see that eventually it helps to talk to people about persistent taboos and stigmas” says Averge. She continues: “Especially HIV is still a big taboo. Many people are afraid that it can be contagious and they don’t even dare to touch the same plate as someone who has it”. Averge confronts them and tells them they don’t have to be worried and that even pregnant women can take medication to have a healthy baby, many people are not aware this is even a possibility. While it is not easy dealing with such sensitive topics, she has started to notice her speaking up is paying off: “now young people come to me and ask me questions about sexual health and available medication.”

Another topic is early marriages, which still happens often in Montepuez. She was used to hear about young girls getting married, sometimes even being violated or assaulted. “Before I was blank, but I am very glad that now I can advise people on their rights and the help they can get.” 

Genita is a 33-year-old Mozambican woman who works as a technician at the IOM health clinic in 25 de Junho Relocation Site in Metuge District, Cabo Delgado. Access to healthcare for displaced communities in 25 de Junho is challenging, but thanks to the clinic they have access to health consultations, vaccination services including COVID-19 vaccination and nutrition services including deworming, malnutrition screening and provision of nutrition supplements.

Supporting over 80 people every day, Genita feels proud of her work helping the most vulnerable communities, especially people on the move in hard-to-reach areas: "There are hundreds of people we help every day, people who need it the most, who have suffered a lot. The part that inspires me the most is assisting pregnant women, who always thank me immensely for my love for them and feel really understood.” 

Linda is the National Program Officer under Migration Health Department, and also the Gender Focal Point at IOM Mozambique. She is dedicated to inspiring and uplift women, not only in the projects she works on but also in the office and among her colleagues.

Linda is a great example of how women can be successful in both academic, professional and social life: “Although a society defines roles for women and men, Mozambican women have proven to have capacities and competence to do beyond what is expected of them”.