Second feminist bonfire and dialogue round in Maputo
On August 7, 2024, the second feminist bonfire and dialogue round between women was held, within the scope of the project “Consolidating exit routes from gender-based violence in Maputo”, financed by the Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation (ACCD).
Social Determinants of Health
The fears expressed were different, but they had something in common, which was gender-based violence.
This time, the Hixikanwe Association was the host of the dialogue around the bonfire, which seeks to unite women in reflection and awareness about gender violence, generating bonds of solidarity and companionship.
The bonfire began in the late afternoon, as usual, and the participants said an opening prayer. Then, each of the women had to introduce themselves and say what their greatest fear was, and so it was. The fears expressed were different, but they had something in common, which was gender-based violence, exercised against them, because of their condition as women, and which tries to eliminate the essence and brilliance of each of them.
The introductory notes were given by Isabel Sofía, project assistant of the Hixikankwe Association, who thanked all the participating women for their presence. The objective of this bonfire was to illuminate paths that can strengthen hope and solidarity in the fight against gender-based violence in society.
The women present told their stories in first person, about the different types of violence they have experienced, as a way of encouraging everyone that no one is alone. The moment of sharing was full of emotions and silences, in which, some participants, when remembering the violence suffered, had tears in their eyes. However, the sisterhood and affection between the women made the atmosphere more welcoming.
The bonfire was attended by 30 women.
Even during the exchange of stories, a homosexual participant spoke openly about having suffered violence from her brother, who abused her for not accepting her sexual condition, stating that she went through almost all types of violence, which culminated in depression, anxiety, and attempted suicide.
After a moment full of emotions, the participants had to say a word of hope and make vows as a form of commitment in the fight against gender violence. The bonfire was attended by 30 women, which ended with songs, dances, laughter, hugs, showing a lot of love and respect for each other.
Activity carried out within the scope of the project “Consolidating exit routes from gender-based violence in Maputo” (2024-2025), implemented by medicusmundi, Fórum Mulher and Hixikanwe Association, and financed by the Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation (ACCD).
Strategies
