Guara-Guara - One of the areas most affected by cyclone Idai, Guara-Guara, 150 km from the city of Beira, has more than 4.200 people living in accommodation camps. Women in this region are in a situation of extreme vulnerability, so the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) joins efforts to serve them.

"We chose Guara-Guara because it is a remote area with difficult access. Women in Guara-Guara are very vulnerable because many of them have lost their homes and some family members, "said Rosilawati Anggraini, UNFPA's specialist in sexual and reproductive health.

A resident of Guara-Guara, Sarafina Belavista, 22, had her house destroyed by the cyclone that hit Mozambique on March 14 and left more than 600 dead in the country alone.

"My house was taken by the wind, then the floods came. I have children and when the flood came it was nighttime ... We were inside and we had to leave with the water up to our necks, "said the Mozambican.

On April 10, UNFPA visited 2 of the 5 camps in the district to hold information sessions on gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health, as well as distribute 350 dignity kits for women in greatest need.

"We brought the dignity kit, which is one of our most important supplies because the kit has not only hygiene items but also protective items such as a flashlight," said Rosilawati.

Sara Felipe, 28, recalled that the women in Guara-Guara were helped by things they did not think they would receive. Food is the main support they receive, but hygiene items are very important for women living in accommodation camps.

"These things are very important, for example, capulana, comb, menstrual pads, and this bucket for me to put water. The flashlight is important because I have a child and I can see how my children are at night and light my way when I go to the bathroom."

UNFPA has distributed 2,600 dignity kits since the response to Cyclone Idai, but more is needed to serve these vulnerable women. To contribute, visit: https://www.unfpa.org/donate#moz

By Natalia da Luz