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May 19, 2022

Country Impact | Gender-based violence

Empowering women and girls in Niassa

A new project launched by Ipas Mozambique in partnership with local government partners aims to empower women and girls in three provinces of the country to make their own choices and increase their access to sexual and reproductive health care—as well as to gender-based violence services.

“Gender-based violence is a global public health problem, and Mozambique is no exception,” says D’bora de Carvalho, Ipas Mozambique national programs manager. “The provinces where we’ll be working have the highest rates of gender-based violence in the country.”

The new project will work in Nampula, Zambezia and Nisassa Provinces and is funded by the Government of Canada.

Ipas Mozambique joined its partners the State Representation Service of the Province of Niassa and the Provincial Executive Council of Niassa for a project launch event on May 5.

“We women and girls of Niassa are happy with the arrival of this project, as it will empower us to make our own choices and increase access to sexual and reproductive health services and safe abortions, as well as address issues of gender-based violence,” said Her Excellency Elina Massengele, Governor of the Province of Niassa.

“We expect results of these actions to be improvement of  the decision-making of girls and women in accessing safe and legal abortion when desired, as well as reducing stigma,” added His Excellency Dinis Vilanculo, Secretary of State for the Province of Niassa.
“Comprehensive sexuality education and access to family planning services can transform the lives of women and girls in Niassa and across Mozambique. Women and girls need to decide on their terms if and when they want to start a family,” noted Caroline Delany, Canadian High Commissioner to Mozambique.