More than 150 people, especially women and children living with HIV-AIDS, were sensitized on gender-based violence. The initiative, which took place last Tuesday in Maputo and was promoted by the Hixinkanwe Association, is part of the celebration of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence..

Eliesa Tembe is one of the women who took part in the "therapeutic circle" and told her dramatic story as a widow and mother of two living with HIV. "Thank God I arrived at this house. I found Mama Judite, who supported me and gave me that hug I wanted from my own family," she says, lamenting the fact that "when I had my husband, the whole family was united with me, but when I lost him, everyone distanced themselves from me".

On the occasion, the president and founder of the Hixinkanwe Association, Judite de Jesus, explained that the association stands out for its activities focused on accessibility to treatment and retention of victims, offering a space to welcome and support those who need it most. According to Judite de Jesus, in addition to psychological and social support, the association strives to ensure that these women remain in treatment, contributing positively to their recovery and empowerment.

"Most of our beneficiaries are women who have survived violence, and we offer them social support and integrated services that cover the whole family," she said, through food baskets and a "solidarity pot", where women come together to help each other.

The source also added that the association's efforts have resulted in achievements such as the reduction of deaths among beneficiaries, the control of suicides and the suffering of orphaned children, as well as the empowerment of women who now have an undetectable viral load. "Most are no longer dependent on the association and many have started their own businesses, becoming partners in the mission to help others," she said.

The organization serves more than four thousand people in Maputo city and in provinces such as Gaza and Inhambane, through representation centers, where through "therapeutic circles" and "self-help groups", women can share their experiences, listen and learn from each other.

(Photo DR)