what we do
Context
Gender-based Violence (GV) is a violation of human rights and of women’s rights which exists all over the world. As with all human rights’ infringements, it has consequences in all areas: social, family, psychological, physical, economic and political. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines violence against women as a public health problem.
In Mozambique, gender-based violence is considered to be a public crime and is punishable under Law 29/2009. Said law describes gender violence as a problem of public order and demands for its prevention and response measures integrated to the different public sectors: health, social welfare, the police, office of the public prosecutor and legal aid, and the involvement of all social movements.
The law recognises the importance of multisectoral coordination in providing a response to this violence, which is why the Government of Mozambique developed the Multisectoral Mechanism of Integrated Assistance for the Women Victims of Violence, as an instrument to coordinate all of the sectors involved in the fight against gender-based violence, given that over and above the legal aspects, this is a social, economic, political and public health issue.
Today’s context in Mozambique is characterised by the lack of protection for women victims (and their sons and daughters), despite the legislation and instruments existing in the country to deal with and combat this blight.
What is medicusmundi doing in mozambique?
medicusmundi has been working in Mozambique since 1994 to improve the social aspects which affect the health of the population, including the right to live in a healthy and violence-free environment. The gender perspective is present across the board of all of the actions we carry out.
We want to build a fairer and more equal world which guarantees the personal integrity and right of the women of Maputo and their sons and daughters to live a life without violence.
1. Coordination to combat gender-based violence
We work together with civil society, social movements and governments. We want to improve the coordination of all institutions working to combat violence.
2. Research in gender-based violence
We promote research which helps us to better understand the causes of violence and the responses we must foster to improve the services of assistance to women victims.
3. Reinforcement of civil society
In Mozambique there is a widespread social movement in favour of women’s rights. Our projects back the social movements that fight for equality. We collaborate with Fórum Mulher, a network grouping local, national and international organisations.
4. Citizen awareness campaigns
Prevention is a key strategy for combatting and eradicating gender-based violence. We develop campaigns for circulation and broadcast on radio, television, social media and other channels. WOMEN is one of our main tools for raising awareness and prompting reflection on gender-based violence. We know that gender-based violence is a global problem and that’s why we create works capable of generating changes in different countries.
5. Political incidence
The fight against violence must be a priority. We collaborate to increase women’s participation in designing public policies and in electoral processes, as voters and as candidates.
6. We train professionals
We train people who are involved in preventing gender violence and providing assistance for its victims. Only in this way can we offer quality, respectful and effective assistance.
7. Attention to victims
We support centres which provide care and shelters that offer legal, social and psychological advice, as well as a safe place to go for women and their sons and daughters in cases of extreme vulnerability.
More information about the projects and activities of medicusmundi in Mozambique on www.medicusmundimozambique.org
Fórum Mulher
Fórum Mulher is a Mozambican platform of feminist organisations and associations which fight for women’s rights.
WLSA
WLSA is a feminist organisation dedicated to research and political impact in defence of women’s rights.
Ministerio de Género, Infancia y Acción Social de Mozambique
The Mozambican Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Action is responsible for public equality policies.
ONU Mujeres
UN Women is the UN organisation dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Other entities
N`wetihttp://www.nweti.org Comunicação para Saúde
MULEIDE, Associação Mulher Lei e Desenvolvimento
AMCS, Associação da Mulher na Comunicação social
AMODEFA, Associação Moçambicana de Desenvolvimento da Familia
Liga dos Direitos Humanos
Rede CAME, rede contra o abuso de menores