Breaking Barriers: Women Leading Change in Their Communities

Imagine living in a world where simple everyday tasks, such as walking home, fetching water, or collecting firewood, expose you to the risk of violence. Unfortunately, this is not just an imagined scenario—it is the harsh reality faced by many women and girls in Mozambique. Violence against women and girls frequently remains hidden, unspoken, and unaddressed. For some, the threat starts at home or within their own communities; for others, their vulnerability is intensified by displacement caused by the crisis in Cabo Delgado or climate-related emergencies.

Despite these difficult circumstances, women in Mozambique are actively leading efforts for change. In close collaboration with communities affected by displacement, IOM and partners are supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening community ties and fostering female leadership. Activities such as radio listening groups, community cooking sessions, and cultural engagements through music and dance are central to these efforts.

Throughout November and December 2024, these initiatives reached over 4,900 people across several districts. They promoted open conversations and concrete actions toward creating safer, more inclusive, and violence-free communities.

Women Taking the Mic: Raising Voices, Changing Futures

In Cabo Delgado’s Taratara displacement site, a group of women and men gather around a radio. The voices coming through the speaker aren’t only from distant leaders—they’re from women in their own communities as well, sharing how they are shaping change.

“I thought, ‘Now I know what to do,’” says Maria, a mother of three, after hearing a segment on women’s participation in the community. “We can share what we learn, help prevent violence. When we unite, abuse loses its power, and we gain the strength to create a safer environment for everyone in the camp. Change starts with us — in our homes, in our communities.”

Across Mozambique, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence. Many never report it—fearing stigma, retaliation, or simply not knowing where to turn to seek help. For half of all girls, marriage comes before adulthood, often robbing them of childhood, education, and personal autonomy. But through radio listening groups, dialogue sessions, and community-led action, women like Maria are no longer just listeners. They are becoming leaders.

Men also participate in discussions about gender equality and preventing Gender Based Violence (GBV). “As men, we can support women by listening to their struggles, respecting their space, and standing against violence,” said Jacinto. “Understanding these issues helps me better support my wife and daughter.”

In communities affected by displacement, IOM organizes radio listening sessions where women and men gather in a safe space to hear stories on key issues like women's participation in decision-making, prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), and support for GBV survivors. Afterward, they discuss the importance of amplifying voices and shaping solutions for their communities.

Regina, another participant reflected, “Learning how to report issues and where to seek support had given me a sense of safety. It feels like we’re not alone; we’re supporting one another to strengthen and secure our community."

Unity Through Mozambican Cuisine

The dialogue continues with another activity organized by IOM. A group of women gathers—not just to talk, but to cook. Matapa, Xima, Piri-Piri chicken—each dish carries the taste of home, the weight of culture, and now, the power of conversation.

“Cooking together creates a sense of home, where we can also share difficult experiences” says Maria Tawoni, a displaced mother of three. “It was the first time I met women from different communities and learned how they prepare their traditional dishes. It really inspired me.”

For these women, a simple meal becomes a space for healing, solidarity, and action.

Niyamo, another participant in the cooking activity, reflects: "When women are supported, we can stand stronger, take care of our families, and protect each other from harm."

As participants exchanged stories while preparing meals, they created new bonds and discussed ways to strengthen their community.

“In our village, when a woman learns about new things and understand her worth, it's like planting a strong seed. That seed doesn't just grow for her—it grows for her children, her neighbors, our whole community.” says Ines.

Music and Movement for Change

The conversation didn’t stop in the kitchen. IOM hosted a gathering where women from both displaced and host communities came together in Pemba city to discuss GBV through music, dance, and theater. This interactive event offered a unique way to strengthen social cohesion, learn about GBV, its impact, and how to address it.

Julia, a displaced single mother, shared, “The plays helped me recognize GBV in my own life and community. Now I know where to get help.”

Utele, a host community member, added, "It wasn’t only about learning how to end violence against women and girls. We exchanged ideas, supported each other, and found ways to collaborate." This event reinforced the importance of collective action in tackling GBV and fostering solidarity.

In Mozambique, where conflict and displacement deeply affect lives, we recognize the strength, resilience, and leadership of women and girls. IOM remains committed to upholding their rights, ensuring their safety, and fostering their full participation in society.

Women like Julia, Maria, and Niyamo are leading change. Through radio broadcasts, cooking events, and cultural dialogues, communities are challenging norms, supporting survivors, and reinforcing that safety is a right, not a privilege.

As Regina, another participant, puts it:

IOM efforts to support communities in Mozambique are supported by Irish Aid, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, Swiss Development Cooperation.