Gender equality is a fundamental value in EUMAM Mozambique as it has been in EUTM Mozambique. On the European Union policy framework and on the international human rights obligations, achieving gender equality and integrating a gender perspective are key objectives and also means to improve operational effectiveness in missions and operations.

The EUMAM Mozambique provides assistance, advice and specialized training to the Mozambican armed forces (FADM) in order to restore security in the Cabo Delgado (CD) province. It is very important the compliance of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, act within the human rights law and international humanitarian law, in close coordination and participation with other stakeholders in matters such as, the acts of sexual and gender-based violence that are urgent to address in CD.

The Gender Advisor (GENAD) is part of the specialized staff and is a full-time role that requires adequate training, education and experience. The GENAD provides support to ensure that integration of a gender perspective is done both on external and internal levels.

Having a good understanding on how men, women, boys and girls are being affected by the conflict in CD and their different needs is a key to a better situational awareness and for the operational planning and action. An internal focus is also important to ensure that adequate procedures, staff training and codes of conduct are in place in the mission.

The main tasks of the GENAD in EUMAM Mozambique include: cooperate with advisors, mentors and trainers in the FADM on gender issues; liaise with international organizations; lead and support the development and delivery of Gender and Human Rights training modules to the FADM; lead the development and integration of Gender, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) into military exercises.

In recent months, the following activities have stood out: support in the organization of the seminar “Women’s role in conflict areas at the United Nations and in the Defence and Security Forces” on the African’s Women Day, training in gender equality, WPS Agenda and SGBV to the Quick Reaction Forces and FADM, in coordination with external organizations like United Nations and International Committee of the Red Cross.

In the EUMAM MOZ we will keep supporting FADM to protect the civilian population from SGBV that has escalated in Cabo Delgado and striving for achieving gender equality.