Cyclone Idai: UNFPA implements 'Women-Friend Spaces' in accommodation centers

Beira - Last Sunday (21), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) held activities in Beira for women, victims of cyclone Idai, in extreme vulnerability. At the Samora Machel Accommodation Center, UNFPA has distributed dignity kits (with hygiene and safety items for women and girls) and launched the first 'Women-Friendly Space' (a place intended for women only, where they can express themselves freely, discussing gender-based violence and receiving psychological support).

"Women-Friendly Spaces are places dedicated to all women and girls living in accommodation centers, where they can feel physically and emotionally secure to talk about sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender-based violence. Because they are spaces for women, they also feel safe to report and seek help in situations of abuse and violence, "said Ana Araújo, UNFPA's Gender-Based Violence Specialist.

Following Cyclone Idai, the United Nations Population Fund has been providing special care for women and girls, such as: implementation of temporary clinics with distribution of maternity kits (with hospital supplies for the care of pregnant and laboring women), training of gender-based violence awareness advocates, distribution of dignity kits (with basic hygiene and protective items for women and girls in shelters). Sensitizing people is very important in combating violence against women and girls during humanitarian emergencies.

Since the beginning of the response to Cyclone Idai, UNFPA has trained more than 150 religious activists and leaders to sensitize their communities to violence and health care. A major concern of UNFPA is the high number of pregnant women in affected areas. It is estimated that in Mozambique this number exceeds 67,000.

To mitigate the risk of maternal death, UNFPA plans to offer delivery kits for these women (with childbirth supplies such as blades, scissors, and cotton). In the coming days, about 1,200 women will receive the kit.

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