01.01.2024
Strengthening women's associations
Problem & Solution
The community of Chipavo belonged to one of the most vulnerable and marginalised areas of the country and villages receive little or no support. Vulnerability in Chipavo had been high for some time due to recurrent extreme weather events and was further exacerbated by the destruction following Cyclone Idai. Gender-based violence (GBV) remained high, especially due to a lack of sensitisation.
The solution was to strengthen an association in the Chiconjo community, made up of 30 members (28 women and 2 men) and led by a woman, in the areas of sustainable agriculture, legal rights and GBV.
The experience
In November 2015, the "Badja Mponesse" Association was founded and Deolinda Joaquim was elected president (pictured above). The members had no “technical” knowledge of agricultural production, relying on the knowledge passed down from generation to generation in their families.
As part of the RECOMOSA project, implemented by ESMABAMA, the association benefited from training on sustainable farming techniques in the face of changing climate.
A major highlight was the implementation of "Aquaculture", which has resulted in a major economic advantage. Members also took part in sensitisations against GBV, which promoted group debates on the same subject, and were informed about their rights.
Challenges
- Delays in processing legal documents.
- Association members' resistance to performing physical labour.
- Excessive financial dependence on the association for occasional needs.
Impact
- The 2022-2023 campaign resulted in greater agricultural production, enabling 71% of women to cover their nutritional needs and there was a financial return.
- Women have high rates of self-esteem and are empowered by their independent activity and the sources of income they can now obtain.
Lessons Learned
- Favour associations made up mostly of women.
- Identify women and men affected by gender discrimination and exclusion early on.
- Participation of "model" couples in gender focus group discussions, which allows them to understand how traditional stereotypes can be broken down.
