COHEMO Project Summit
“Through the COHEMO project, the meditation sessions for women, along with the self-help groups and committees focused on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and child protection, have proven incredibly beneficial. Together, these initiatives are making a real difference in the community.” said Daniela Pamminger, a representative of Caritas Austria, the organization supporting the COHEMO project. During her recent visit to our office and Barada mission, Daniela had the opportunity to see our work firsthand. We were delighted to welcome her and to showcase the impact we are making together to improve living conditions in rural communities.
Initially COHEMO project aimed to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, specifically by raising awareness and vaccinations, but with the reduction of COVID risks, the project’s focus has shifted to improving the quality of life for communities, with a special emphasis on physical and mental health. The project had the support of Caritas Austria and funding of Austrian Development Agency (ADA), to assist the communities in southern Sofala.
The COHEMO project has brought a dedicated team of mental health professionals to support those impacted by violence. These health technicians, specifically trained in mental health, work in psychosocial support centers, to meet the unique needs of each individual seeking assistance. Through this initiative, survivors have a safe space for healing and guidance, ensuring they receive the essential care they need to rebuild their lives.
Through the combined efforts of activists and psychologist, there has been a significant increase in reports of cases ranging from GBV to early unions – issues that were once hidden within the community. The techniques introduced in our sessions are making a tangible difference, seen in the rise of psychological consultations at health centers and the growing community engagement within the community. “I feel deeply satisfied at the end of the day when I think about how we started with fewer than 15 people per session, and today we welcome over 40 participants per session. That truly touches me,” she added.
Training on Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Strengthening Skills of Health Technicians and Police in Gender and GBV
COHEMO Gender Based Violation Training, Buzi
Concerned about the quality of care in cases of gender-based violence in public sectors, the project organized a training session in August to empower government officials and ESMABAMA staff. Participants included police officers, nurses, and focal points from our missions. This training focused on strengthening understanding of fundamental gender concepts, government policies, and response protocols for gender-based violence, including the identification and support of victims. Key topics included effective methods for raising awareness, intervention and prevention strategies, and psychosocial support, all aimed at enhancing the quality and responsiveness of care in our communities.
The discussions were intense and productive, supported by the strong collaboration of representatives from the health and police departments of the district governments of Buzi and Chibabava. Participants showed high levels of interest and engagement, sharing insightful questions and personal experiences that enriched the group discussions. Practical activities and simulations fostered a dynamic, collaborative environment, allowing everyone to apply and discuss the knowledge gained. Through case studies and hands-on simulations, it became clear that participants are well-prepared to put these skills into practice in real situations.
Maria da Lurdes – Maternal Child health nurse, Barada
Maria de Lurdes, a maternal and child health nurse, shared her appreciation for the workshop: “The COHEMO project initiative was essential in deepening my understanding of issues I encounter daily, such as gender-based violence. I learned specific practices that I am eager to implement to improve the quality of care we provide.”
Collaborative Strategies for Combating Gender-Based Violence: Insights from COHEMO’s Roundtable Discussion
COHEMO Roundtable
Following up on previous training, a roundtable discussion was held on October 16-17 to develop effective strategies for combating gender-based violence (GBV). This gathering provided a platform for exchanging ideas on practical solutions for preventing and addressing GBV, leading to a collaborative action plan that emphasizes awareness campaigns, victim support, and improved service delivery. Among the strategies discussed were:
- Raising awareness of victims’ rights;
- Providing accessible information on GBV for victims and their families;
- Ongoing training for agents of the Mozambican Republic Police (PRM) to recognize non-visible signs of GBV;
- Establishing one-stop centres that integrate health and PRM services;
- Conducting joint community awareness-raising activities led by PRM and health professionals.
Isac Manhoso – Psychiatrist, Buzi
Isac Vasco Manhoso, a psychiatrist and mental health technician from Buzi, shared his perspective: “The workshop greatly enriched our understanding of GBV, especially through the diverse cultural insights brought by various professionals. This allowed us to better understand the underlying causes of these cases and discuss effective practices to aid us in the fight against GBV.”
Empowering rural communities through Psychosocial Support
COHEMO Project Summit
In November, an impactful summit took place in Mangunde as part of the COHEMO project. “The summit aims to bring together women who participated in all the psychosocial support and mindfulness sessions, providing a space for them to share their stories with other women from different communities, support groups, community chiefs, and some government representatives,” explained Edson Balata, COHEMO Project Manager. “One of our goals is to highlight the impact that the support from these sessions has had on each woman’s life,” he added.
The event brought together around 140 participants, including two women, a community leader, a local leader from each community, as well as district representatives.
Beyond sharing experiences, a key objective was to prepare a ‘‘women’s declaration’’ outlining methods and strategies for addressing psychosocial support needs, to be submitted to the provincial government. This document will play a fundamental role in shaping the next government plan for 2025-2029, with the aim of positively impacting the lives of women in rural areas who need this support.
COHEMO Project Summit
COHEMO Enhances Rural Healthcare with Infrastructure, Vaccination, and Renewable Energy
COHEMO has also implemented key interventions to support healthcare access. These include constructing residences for nurses in Barada, setting up isolation rooms, supplying essential medications, and promoting awareness activities led by community activists. Vaccination campaigns have been extended to remote areas, aiming to increase healthcare access and encourage adherence to psychological support within the communities served by the project.
A recent milestone for COHEMO was the acquisition of seven refrigerators for health centers, essential for preserving laboratory tests and vaccines. Previously, health centers relied on small coolers to store vaccines, which limited supply and required frequent trips to rural hospitals. To further support health infrastructure, COHEMO invested in renewable energy by installing off-grid photovoltaic systems at the Mangunde and Estaquinha health centers. This system not only reinforces COHEMO’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also 24-hour power access, significantly improving healthcare conditions in these areas.
As the COHEMO project nears its conclusion, the significant steps in strengthening community resilience and well-being across ESMABAMA’s missions areas reflect its transformative impact. By prioritizing mental health, psychosocial support, and the fight against gender-based violence, COHEMO has empowered individuals and fostered safer, healthier communities. The project’s emphasis on holistic care has improved access to essential health services, strengthened community awareness, and built robust support structures. This enduring legacy of positive change will continue to uplift communities long after the project’s end.
