Reducing Women's Vulnerability

Photo: At a women's rally in Chimoio, Mozambique

Reducing women's vulnerability in the context of Gender Based Violence (GBV)

Directly involved are 2,000 people (1,200 female / 800 male), indirectly involved are 16,000 people (10,000 female / 6,000 male).

During the last years LeMuSiCa analyzed the social, cultural, religious, economic, gender and other factors that influence early marriages and other situations of vulnerability of women and girls. It became clear that women and girls often live in economic dependence of their partners and families and are placed in a precarious situation and seen as persons without decision-making power, forcing them to accept submission to their intimate partners or family members even when they experience GBV. In this context, LeMuSiCa decided to promote the sustainable economic empowerment of women and girls who are victims of GBV and to offer them tools to generate income. LeMuSiCa already runs an 'incubator', a small centre to offer life skills and professional know-how to women and girls by training them in various manual techniques.

• To provide an economic alternative for 150 victims of GBV and other women and girls from the communities, who receive apprenticeship courses in the areas of Confectionery, Savoury, Bread and Yoghurt, Jam, Ice Cream and medicinal soap
• Sensitising, raising awareness and motivating people about GBV, human rights and existing laws that defend and protect women and girls, and providing them with the tools during vocational training
• Creation of 6 savings groups for the beneficiaries to meet regularly after the course and pursue a savings goal together and support each other in maintaining their small businesses
• VBG sensitisation, holding talks with a participatory and active methodology in the respective communities involving community leaders, religious leaders and other influential people
• Integrated victim-centred care, mental health and psychosocial support for victims at LeMuSiCa facilities in Chimoio City
• Sensitising and raising awareness about the laws against GBV, giving talks and using leaflets at bus stops and markets involving 800 men and boys
• Holding round tables with women and inviting other women's organisations where the conversations are constructive in reducing GBV using the 'around the campfire' methodology
• 'Quinta da malta' activity: safe spaces for men to engage in reflection and dialogue about social and gender norms, and to drive community-led actions and solutions to GBV and other gender inequalities