In drought-stricken Chipinge District, where food insecurity threatens children’s lives, a group of determined women known as Lead Mothers are stepping up to protect their communities.

As preliminary assessment of the impact of Cyclone Chido is reported in Mozambique a mother and her child are among the first fatal victims .

Saada laughs as she remembers the moment she received her tailoring machines in her new workshop through the Safe Return Project, an Australian Aid initiative implemented by World Vision Iraq on behalf of the Australian Government.

Phiness, 41, recalls the overwhelming worry she felt watching her young son Keegan's health steadily worsen. Despite her efforts to feed him regularly, he appeared weak, underweight, and often fell sick.

After participating in the Safe Return project, Yusra received a grant that allowed her to expand her tailoring business. Now, she can provide for her family and purchase essential items.

In the aftermath of violence that claimed her partner's life and left her homeless, Ana stands as a beacon of resilience. With four young daughters to care for and nowhere to turn, she found a glimmer of hope through Toya and World Vision. Their support gave her not only a lifeline but also the courage to rebuild.

This article is a testimony from Sarah, a victim of violence and rejection by her family. Her story is published during the 16 days of activism to show the challenges in protecting children in the DRC and how World Vision is working with local structures to help children to be listened to and protected through social dialogue sessions.

Urgent aid is required to assist more than 100 000 impacted by an intense tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique destroying houses and adding pressure to an already fragile context battling with conflict.