The urgency is clear: Mozambique, particularly Manica Province, is facing more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and cyclones. But where does action begin?
In June 2025, the Mozambican organization LEMUSICA took a bold step toward climate action. With support from horizont3000 and funding from the Austrian Development Cooperation, a two-day workshop in Manica brought together 16 participants, most of them women, to reflect on climate change and their role in addressing it.
The workshop aimed to help LEMUSICA assess its current capacity to respond to climate change. Through group discussions, storytelling, and the use of the Environment and Climate Change Self-Assessment Tool, participants explored their knowledge gaps, shared local experiences, and evaluated their institutional readiness.
Participants revisited painful memories of past climate disasters, including deadly cyclones and devastating floods. For many, this was a moment of deep reflection – but also a turning point. They acknowledged that climate change had not yet been a strategic focus, despite its direct impact on the women and children they support. The group agreed: more must be done, starting now.
LEMUSICA’s findings were clear: their internal capacity to tackle climate issues is limited, and communities remain highly vulnerable. Women, already at the forefront of social challenges, bear the brunt of these impacts. Recognizing this, LEMUSICA committed to building staff capacity on adaptation and mitigation strategies and incorporating climate awareness into its community programs.
The collaborative process, facilitated by the horizont3000 program officer and gender focal point Drucila Meireles and LEMUSICA’s social assistant Sandra Waluza, led to the creation of a concrete action plan that centers community voices and prioritizes resilience.
Participants expressed strong interest in continuing this journey, asking for more training and practical tools. They also emphasized the need to listen to communities and co-create solutions. As one participant noted, “It’s time to make climate action a core part of who we are.”
This workshop marks a promising beginning. With the right support and sustained commitment, organizations like LEMUSICA can lead climate action that is inclusive, localized, and lasting.
