The community of Nwamatibwana, in the Manhiça district, hosted a health fair promoted as part of the Women's and Girls' Empowerment Project, implemented by ADPP and funded by the Commonwealth of Learning Canada. The event was organized in coordination with the Manhiça District Health Services and was attended by various local organizations working in the areas of health, education and social services, consolidating a joint effort to improve the well-being of the community, especially women and girls.
The main objective of the multi-sectoral health fair was to disseminate information relevant to the well-being of children, young people and adults, addressing crucial issues such as HIV, sexual violence, sexual and reproductive health, prevention methods, domestic violence and early unions. Several local organizations actively participated, offering talks and guidance on each of these topics.
On behalf of the organizations taking part in the fair, Iolanda Namucoio, leader of the Women's and Girls' Empowerment project, highlighted the importance of the event as a unique moment for transformative education and changing community behaviour. "We are represented together with other organizations to promote education through different thematic approaches, aiming to change behaviour. We believe that, after visiting the fair, everyone will leave with new knowledge for the benefit of themselves and their families," said Iolanda.
The Health Fair in Nwamatibwana represented a significant milestone in promoting the health and well-being of the community, reaffirming the commitment of the organizations involved to the education and empowerment of girls and their families.
Graça Bernardo Chongo, one of the beneficiaries of the Women's and Girls' Empowerment Project, stood out as one of the fair's exhibitors. Using her sewing machine, Graça exhibited work that is highly sought after in the community. She shared her journey, starting to sew with her mother and later acquiring her own machine with the help of her grandmother. "Today, with the project, I'm becoming more professional and reaching new levels in sewing. My small business is growing, as I've learned how to make skirts, shirts, hats and dresses. My next challenge is men's clothing," said Graça, who supports her two children through sewing and dreams of working in a more suitable place.
Outra participante de destaque foi Salva da Silva, uma dedicada agricultora que expôs os produtos cultivados no grupo de mulheres agricultoras dentro do projecto, aberta graças ao convite do projeto. Salva faz parte de um grupo de 30 mulheres dedicadas exclusivamente à agricultura em Manhiça Palmeira. “Agora estamos vendo os resultados, temos uma boa produção. Hoje, com a feira, conseguimos vender uma boa quantidade da nossa produção”, relatou Salva, que pela primeira vez participou de uma feira e conseguiu vender toda sua produção. Salva e outras mulheres do grupo cultiva couve, alface, cebola, pepino e beterraba, com sementes fornecidas pelo projeto, e utiliza o dinheiro das vendas para sustentar as crianças e cobrir despesas escolares.