What’s holding back Mozambique’s full potential? The hidden cost of gender-based violence

Mozambique has faced numerous challenges, and while its achievements may not always be visible to outsiders, they are significant. Like many countries at a similar stage of development, Mozambique continues to confront many obstacles. One issue particularly close to my heart is ensuring that the often silent 50% of the population—women—are empowered to take a central role and contribute to sustainable and resilient growth. I have witnessed firsthand how gender-based violence (GBV) erodes confidence, limits opportunities, and ultimately hinders economic participation. During my tenure, I heard many heartbreaking stories of pain and broken dreams, but also remarkable tales of resilience from women.

The Harsh Reality of GBV in Mozambique

The numbers speak for themselves. Over a third of women in Mozambique experience intimate partner violence. Even more concerning, 32% of young women and 40% of young men went through physical, sexual, or emotional abuse as children. This early exposure often leads to a cycle of violence that continues into adulthood. GBV limits women’s access to education, jobs, and participation in society. It’s even harder in rural areas, where women juggle household responsibilities and childcare, leaving little time for economic opportunities. The trauma of violence also impacts mental health, making it even more difficult for women to thrive.

The Struggles of Adolescent Girls 
Adolescent girls in Mozambique are especially at risk. Many face early pregnancies and child marriages, which disrupt their education and future. Nearly half become mothers by age 19, with 46% married by 18 and 14% by 15. Limited access to reproductive health services, poverty, and social stigma make it hard for them to make informed choices, leading to high maternal mortality and teenage pregnancies.

Violence in schools is another serious problem, especially for girls. Many students face abuse that affects their learning, but there’s little data on how widespread the issue is. Without proper response systems, cases are often ignored or mishandled, leaving survivors without justice and allowing violence to continue unchecked.

Economic Challenges and Gender Inequality 
Women in Mozambique also face significant economic challenges. Although both men and women participate in the labor market, women often end up in lower-paying, less secure jobs. Many work in agriculture but lack access to land, credit, and technology. This makes them especially vulnerable to climate change, as they have fewer resources to help them adapt. The combination of economic inequality and GBV deepens the cycle of poverty for many women.

Tackling GBV in World Bank Projects
One thing I saw firsthand was how GBV issues, including sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment (SH), also appeared in World Bank projects. By January 2025, over half of reported SEA/SH cases in Mozambique’s portfolio were linked to infrastructure projects like transport, water, and energy. However, cases also occurred in education and social protection projects. Improved reporting systems have helped bring these cases to light, providing survivors with a way to seek help and justice. But many GBV survivors never report abuse, especially in areas where services are limited or reporting systems are difficult to access.

What the World Bank is Doing 
The World Bank is working across multiple sectors to prevent and respond to gender-based violence through programs like the East Africa Girls' Empowerment and Resilience Project. Efforts to address SEA/SH in Northern Mozambique are also implemented under the Harnessing the Demographic Dividend Project, and the Capacity Building for Improved Gender-based Violence Response Project focus on strengthening institutional support and improving survivor care. 

Schools are a top priority. The World Bank is advocating for a zero-tolerance policy on GBV, helping create safe learning spaces where students can report abuse and receive support. Efforts include training teachers, enforcing Codes of Conduct to hold offenders accountable, and ensuring schools are places of safety and learning.

However, there’s still much work left to do.

What More Needs to Be Done
To truly address GBV, we need to support women and girls throughout their lives. That means continuous support from childhood to adulthood, addressing risks early and building resilience against violence and discrimination.

Men and boys must also be part of the solution. Programs that challenge harmful gender norms and promote positive masculinity can lead to real change. Community-led initiatives that engage young people in shifting social norms have been successful in other regions and could work in Mozambique too.

Expanding GBV prevention efforts, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas, is essential. Changing harmful societal norms, increasing access to reproductive health services, and empowering women through education and job opportunities can help break the cycle of poverty and violence.

Finally, GBV survivors need better support. Legal, medical, and psychological assistance must be easily accessible. Strengthening these services will help survivors rebuild their lives and create a stronger, more resilient society.

A Call for Change
As I reflect on my time in Mozambique, one thing is clear: ending GBV is critical to the country’s development. If Mozambique is to reach its full potential, empowering women and girls and breaking the cycle of gender-based violence must be a priority. But change won’t happen without addressing access to quality care, issues of impunity, and the involvement of men and boys. Improving survivor care and accountability systems, raising awareness, and promoting the active role of men and boys in stopping GBV can help shift harmful norms and create a more inclusive society.

Looking ahead, as my time in Mozambique is already a month in the rear-view mirror, I remain deeply committed to the vision of seeing its people thrive, and women taking on a bigger role in the country’s development. I carry with me the strength and resilience of its women and girls. The path forward lies in society working together as a whole to break the cycle of GBV and create an environment where everyone can thrive. It’s not goodbye, Mozambique—just a “see you later,” as the work continues toward a world where women and girls are free to live up to their full potential.