The Gendered Dimensions of Cross-Border Conflict in Tanzanian’s Mtwara and Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado: Examining the Impact and Opportunities for Women and Girls’ Livelihoods and Contributions to Peace

Lead researchers: Albert Souza Mulli and Joana Martins  

Partner: Bodhi Global Analysis  

Duration: December 2023 – March 2025 

Countries: Mozambique, Tanzania  

Since 2017, Cabo Delgado in northern Mozambique has been rocked by violent insurgency and conflict, driven by a mix of factors. Jihadist extremism draws in global fighters, while local motivations tend to stem from resentment at perceived socio-economic exclusion linked to the discovery of mineral deposits and hydrocarbons. The conflict has also affected the southeastern Tanzanian area of Mtwara, just over the border from Cabo Delgado; here, too, natural gas extraction off the Tanzanian coast is fuelling violence.  

This research project examines how gender norms, identities, and roles (and relevant intersecting characteristics) in Mtwara and Cabo Delgado affect conflict dynamics in northern Mozambique, and shape women and girls’ experiences of the conflict. It will look particularly at changing livelihood opportunities for women on both sides of the border, the impact of conflict on gender norms and roles, and how these changes affect opportunities and risks for women’s livelihoods and their opportunities to contribute to social cohesion and peacebuilding. The research will inform policy recommendations for interventions in the region and similar conflict-affected cross-border contexts.  

The project will undertake a comprehensive mixed-methods study, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative component will involve collecting data on key variables such as population demographics, economic activities and sources of livelihoods (disaggregated by sex), conflict incidents, and population displacement (also disaggregated by sex). In parallel, the qualitative component will gather primary data through two methods: key informant interviews (KIIs) with representatives from local CSOs/NGOs, government officials, faith and community leaders, and both local and national authorities; and focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members and individuals directly affected by conflict. 

This project is one of several focused on women and girls in cross-border conflict contexts. The main output will be a research manuscript for submission for publication in a peer-reviewed journal or as an XCEPT research report.  

For more information regarding this research, contact [email protected]