By Benilde Manjaze
“As women, we must be supportive and strengthen each other; we must encourage and empower one another,” said Alice Nicolau.
In the scope of women’s empowerment, 10 rural women from Mozambique, representing the provincial unions of Maputo, Zambezia, and Inhambane, participated in a two-day webinar on the 6th and 7th of July. The event aimed to discuss gender equality in workplaces. Integrating a gender perspective is one of the fundamental requirements for institutional improvement and development, regardless of the area of intervention or the topic addressed. During the meeting, the women argued that promoting and empowering women is crucial for accelerating sustainable development and economic growth. According to the UNDP Human Development Report 2015, Mozambique ranks 135th out of 155 in the gender inequality index.
Therefore, during the virtual debate, it was emphasized that there is a need to train women leaders in organizations on matters related to human rights, women’s rights, basic gender concepts, land use and usufruct rights, and the social and cultural issues characterizing both genders. Regarding land use and usufruct rights, it was highlighted that it is necessary to increasingly encourage women living in remote areas, who are the main victims of land grabbing.
Alice Nicolau explained that “We women bring with us life experiences and unique approaches, which enrich the decision-making process, promoting innovation and creative resolution within organizations.”
In Mozambique, the agricultural sector is characterized by low remuneration, and women remain in high numbers in the informal agricultural sector and in low-paying jobs, while men pursue higher wages in other sectors. Among unskilled agricultural workers, women represent 59%, which corresponds to 88% of the total female employment sector. According to the National Council for the Advancement of Women (CNAM 2004), in 2013, the percentage of women employed in the non-agricultural sector was 15.9%, compared to 6% in 2011.The event, held virtually, brought together rural women and other professionals from different areas seeking improvement and empowerment.
