The first of the two feminist bonfires and dialogue rounds planned within the framework of the project “Consolidating exit routes from gender-based violence in Maputo”, financed by the Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation (ACCD), took place on June 13 2024, at the Fórum Mulher facilities.
to learn more and share their own experiences
The dialogue began with a welcome to all the women present at the bonfire, led by the Executive Director of Fórum Mulher, Nzira de Deus. The talk was moderated by Nilza Andrade, who gave a quick and brief contextualization of the topics to be discussed that night.
The remaining panel was made up of Whitney Sabino, who spoke about the current scenario and the general context of gender-based violence in Maputo; Mamã Judite (Hixikanwe Association), who presented exit strategies from gender-based violence. The closing notes were given by the Country Director of medicusmundi, Violeta Bila.
More than 20 women from civil society organizations (ADEMO, Young Feminist Movement of Mozambique), among other entities and individuals, were present at the dialogue round. Some of the women present, who participated for the first time in a feminist bonfire, had the opportunity to learn more and share their own experiences on the various topics related to gender-based violence.
to raise awareness about the reality that several girls and women face daily
As usual, bonfires always end with testimonies. And this time the same thing happened, some of the women present in the dialogue shared situations of violence experienced in first person (with absolute confidentiality).
Therefore, there were exciting moments of sharing, full of enthusiasm and total relaxation between the women. However, the main objective of the bonfire activities is always to raise awareness about the reality that several girls and women face daily, bringing examples and practical experiences of possible solutions to situations of gender-based violence in Maputo. Not only by creating a space for dialogue and reflection, but also through an inclusive, culturally significant and interactive approach.
Activity carried out within the scope of the project “Consolidating exit routes from gender-based violence in Maputo” (2024-2025), implemented by medicusmundi, Fórum Mulher and Hixikanwe Association, and financed by the Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation (ACCD).