Beira - Addressing women in situations of vulnerability during humanitarian emergencies is a concern for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). On April 6, Peacock 1, a host district for Cyclone Idai victims, established the first integrated services clinic for survivors of gender-based violence, an initiative of UNFPA in partnership with the local and provincial Government of Mozambique. More than two thousand women are housed in this camp in the City of Beira.
This clinic is the first of 15 UNFPA plans to install in areas affected by the tropical storm that hit Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi in March. In Mozambique alone, more than 600 people died and 1,600 were injured. Initiatives such as this are extremely necessary, given that in humanitarian emergencies, 1 in 3 women are affected by gender-based violence.
"Gender-based violence has serious consequences for survivors, especially in cases of rape. Pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, depression, and stigma are some of the implications. Having this space in a displacement center helps to raise awareness, reduce cases and aid the recovery process for survivors," said Rosilawati Anggraini, UNFPA Sexual and Reproductive Health Specialist.
Learn how to contribute to UNFPA's efforts here
Learn more: UNFPA provides humanitarian assistance to Mozambique in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai
Also see: Paulina Chiziane calls for more support for victims of Cyclone Idai
