Hidden strength: How dance-fighting helps young Mozambican girls escape forced marriages
In northern Mozambique girls rescued from child marriages find healing through capoeira‚ a mix of dance and martial arts. This unique therapy program helps survivors regain control of their lives and build confidence
Under a big cashew tree in Rapale northern Mozambique young girls gather in a semi-circle making rhythmic sounds in Portuguese Their movements flow between dance and combat as they practice capoeira – a mix of fighting and dancing thats helping them heal from forced marriages
In this small town where about half of young women marry before turning 18 (despite its being illegal since 2019) the capoeira project works as mind-body therapy. The program – run by Fideline Uzamukunda and other local psychologists helps girls who escaped child marriages or face high-risk situations
Constância a 16-year-old student shares her story: when she was just 13 her mom tried to marry her off to a 25-year-old man. “I didnt want to leave my dad or stop going to school“ she explains. Thanks to a friend who told support workers; she got help and escaped the marriage. Now she practices capoeira and says “I feel stronger; I know how to protect myself“
The programs founder Joana Vasconcelos who learned capoeira in Brazil started this project that has helped more than 900 girls since last year. “Its not about winning or losing – its about trust and self-control“ she explains
- Poor school access
- Lack of birth certificates
- Local traditions
- Limited economic options
Gaia Segola from Unicef points out that many girls dont have proper birth records which makes age verification hard. In remote places like Muterua village some locals say “getting married is easier than walking miles to school.“ The problem stays complex – mixing poverty culture and limited choices for young women
Itʼs not good to force an underage girl to get married She has a lot of life It is ruining so many dreams
