Between droughts and cyclones: the invisible strength of women in Inhambane, Mozambique

Abstract

This article analyzes the resilience of female heads of households in the semiarid Unrogas zones of Inhambane, Mozambique, in the face of recurring climate emergencies, such as prolonged droughts and violent cyclones that threaten their survival. Through a qualitative approach, based on documentary research and local experiences, we identify survival strategies adopted by women, including adaptive agricultural practices, solidarity networks, and community innovation in water resource management. The study highlights the systemic exclusion that limits women's access to productive resources, credit, and political participation, exacerbating their social and economic vulnerability. The research shows that rural women, although (in)visible, are central protagonists in the (re)construction of territories, as well as in resilience and coexistence with the impacts of climate change. Finally, recommendations for strengthening and empowering women are presented.