The prosecution of violence against women in Moçambique is still a major challenge that the partner organizations of terre des hommes schweiz have to contend with. A good example of this is the recently “revised” penal code of Moçambique.
On March 20, Mozambican NGOs called for a demonstration against the adoption of amendments to the penal code. The law dates back to the 19th century. Parts of it have recently been revised. However, the paragraphs relating to the punishment of rape have not been revised.
Rape as a prelude to marriage?
The penal code contains an article that provides for the exoneration of a rapist if the perpetrator marries the victim and does not divorce for five years. One of the 400 demonstrators summed it up as follows: “This law is unconstitutional, it is a serious violation of human rights and women’s rights.”
The commitment to effective criminal prosecution of violence against women remains an important challenge in the projects of terre des hommes schweiz in Moçambique.
