REFUGIO – Protection and Health Spaces for Women and Young People in Mozambique

The REFUGIO project – Protection and Health Spaces for Women and Young People in Mozambique – was created to strengthen health services and promote the protection of the right to health in the provinces of Maputo, Sofala and Zambézia.

Through the creation of safe community spaces, the training of healthcare workers and local activists (expert clients), and a series of awareness-raising campaigns targeting the population, REFUGIO aims to improve access to prevention, care and protection services, particularly for women, adolescents and young people.

The project addresses key public health issues in Mozambique – HIV/AIDS, HPV infections and cervical cancer, gender-based violence, hypertension and diabetes – promoting awareness, equality and respect for fundamental human rights.

Specific Objectives

Strengthening local capacities
Training healthcare workers and expert clients on health, gender and human rights issues, creating a sustainable, community-rooted network of skills.

Creating spaces for dialogue and protection
Building and equipping community rooms in the DREAM centres of Machava and Beira for group activities, awareness-raising sessions and psychosocial support.

Promoting awareness and prevention
Implementing information campaigns in schools, parishes, markets and workplaces to disseminate knowledge on HIV, HPV, chronic diseases, and sexual and reproductive rights.

Supporting adolescent girls and young women
Establishing support groups and listening points to address cases of gender-based violence, discrimination and violations of reproductive rights.

Planned Activities

• Training of healthcare workers and local activists

• Construction and equipping of community spaces in DREAM centres

• 60 awareness-raising campaigns across the three areas of intervention

• Establishment of support groups for adolescent girls and young women

• Development of guidelines for the management of cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and violations of sexual and reproductive rights

Project Areas of Intervention

Maputo Province: Zimpeto, Machava, Matola II and the Children’s Centre
Sofala Province: Manga Chingussura and Polivalente Centres (Beira)
Zambézia Province: Quelimane Centre