In the flood-vulnerable area of Chókwè, located in southern Mozambique, a gathering of women sits together within a simple flood shelter, discussing topics, recording thoughts, and questioning traditional gender roles that have kept women out of local leadership discussions. One such woman is Paula Cossa, a respected community figure and involved member of the Women Climate Change Forum. For Cossa, these meetings go beyond just passing along information; they mark an essential transformation in her sense of self and duties.
A Transformative Approach to Gender in a Challenging Area
Mozambique faces significant risks from climate-related disruptions. In Chókwè, flooding often forces communities to relocate, worsening gender disparities as women take on more unpaid caregiving duties, which interferes with their ability to earn income and hinders their availability of essential assets and job prospects. Additionally, migration adds further difficulty: many males and young people travel to nearby nations, resulting in women being left to handle domestic affairs, maintain agricultural activities, and support the household economically, all while facing increasingly severe weather conditions.
This disparity was the focus of the Gender-Transformative Climate Resilience Project. Backed with $950,000 from the Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF), which is a multi-donor trust managed by the African Development Bank aimed at supporting climate financing pledges and enhancing Africa’s ability to withstand climatic challenges. Implemented by Oxfam in both Malawi and Mozambique, the initiative seeks to foster equitable leadership, environmentally friendly approaches, and locally driven resilience via education, campaigning, and female-centered initiatives such as community-based saving and loan groups.
The initiative's interactive workshops, conducted with community collaborators along with Oxfam, address climate resilience, eco-friendly farming techniques, and money management skills. Participants then gain the ability to implement natural approaches, expand their activities, and enhance their crop yields.
According to Cleto Manjova, Programme Advisor with Oxfam Southern Africa, the objective extends further than mere skill development. "Our aim isn't simply sharing information. It's about establishing an environment where women can think critically, challenge perspectives, and embrace responsibility for their part in building climate resilience," he states.
A Deeper Transformation
"Previously, we relied mainly on our spouses. Nowadays, we realize that we can also provide financial support and take part in decision-making." -- Paula Cossa, a local community organizer and representative from the Women Climate Change Forum based in Chókwè, Mozambique
The initiative has engaged more than 55,450 individuals, with 12,863 residing in Chókwè, where its influence goes far beyond farming activities. Women who once stood at the edges of society are now playing key roles in making community choices, affecting procedures that have historically been controlled by men, and achieving increased financial self-sufficiency.
"This initiative greatly assisted us, as it transformed our conduct from relying on others as women to expressing ourselves confidently as women," states Olga Domingos ManhÃa , one of its beneficiaries Previously, people would claim that a woman was incapable of doing this, believing only men should handle it. But things have changed for us.
Social changes can be seen throughout the population; instances of domestic abuse, which are often worsened by environmental challenges and financial strain, have decreased.
"Domestic violence incidents have been frequently seen in these rural regions, yet thanks to this initiative, such cases are gradually declining. Moreover, I notice substantial improvements in agricultural practices. Previously, farming followed conventional methods, but now it is carried out using enhanced production approaches," notes Carlitos Mussica, Council Member responsible for Social and Gender Issues in the City of Chókwè.
Mussica also observes a larger change occurring. "When communities gain access to information, they transform into collaborators in progress," he states. This is crucial for fostering lasting strength.
Women as Decisionmakers
Regarding the ACCF, this effort embodies a fundamental belief that gender equity is not an ancillary aim of climate initiatives. Rather, it is essential to them.
The ACCF Coordinator, Rita Effah, confirms this, stating, "Gender equality plays a key role in building climate resilience. Empowering women leads to advantages for the whole community."
In Chókwè, an initiative that started as a reaction to environmental risks is evolving into a blueprint for grassroots resilience, with women playing key roles rather than merely receiving support, as they help create a more eco-friendly tomorrow.
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Tagged: Economy, Business and Finance, Mozambique, Women and Gender, Climate, Southern Africa, Environment
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