As part of a virtual visit to Mozambique this week by the Honorable Karina Gould, Canadian Minister for International Development, a roundtable on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Mozambique took place yesterday afternoon. The online meeting, which included High Commissioner Caroline Delany and participants from UNFPA and NGOs working on SRHR in Mozambique, covered gender equality, rights, education and humanitarian aspects reflecting the current situation in the country.
The roundtable was facilitated by Sally Griffin, Senior Gender Adviser at h2n. The virtual visit by Minister Gould is a way to adapt to the ongoing pandemic, which naturally continues to put limitations on international travel. “The format works well because it allows the Minister and other participants to focus on a relatively limited set of issues, while providing space for follow up and discussion,” said Ms. Griffin, who led the session. Among the issues addressed were the importance of social norms and of working systematically at the community and family level.
The Minister emphasized the cross-cutting and interlinked nature of SRHR, which requires coordinated action across several sectors, not just health. h2n implements Asas, a project funded by Canada that aims to strengthen gender equality and empowerment of women; addresses attitudes, norms, behaviors and gender stereotypes; and strengthens the voices of women and girls.
The project also seeks the active involvement of men and boys in overcoming barriers that prevent the full participation of women in society.