Eight million euros are secured by the United Nations and the European Union (EU) to implement the second phase of the Spotlight Initiative, a global project launched in Mozambique in March 2019 with the aim of eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.

For the operationalization of the second phase of the initiative the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Action will meet in the coming days with partners and civil society organizations in Maputo. The first phase of the program operated in three provinces, particularly in the districts of Chongoene, Xai-Xai and Chicualacuala in Gaza; Chimoio, Gondola, Mossurize and Tambara in Manica; and Nampula, Moma, Mogovolas and Angoche in Nampula.

The Spotlight joint initiative made 40 million euros available for the first phase and had its actions focused on legal reforms, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting quality service delivery.

The renewal of the initiative for another two years is due to the good results achieved, thanks to the commitment of the Government and the more than 20 implementing civil society organizations that together have reached more than 1.9 million people, including more than 1.1 million women and girls in the last two years.

Government institutions from the Social Welfare, Health, Justice and Police sectors formed the foundation of the Spotlight initiative in Mozambique, which has a macro objective of targeting the highest risk groups. '

It also aims to accelerate efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls, including gender-based sexual violence, and other harmful practices. The initiative includes a comprehensive prevention strategy that addresses structural issues and links Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).

Innovations through practical application will further enhance efforts to capitalize on lessons learned and link to existing efforts within UN and other development partners' programming of No Gender (SBGV), Human Rights, Girls' Education and others.

Deeply rooted power imbalances remain between men and women, based on a discriminatory societal structure that legitimizes an ideology of male sexual entitlement and values women primarily for their reproductive capacity and economic benefits they bring through marriage.