While the official celebrations of Mozambican Women’s Day were taking place in the city of Pemba, a group of women and young people gathered in their own way on the sidelines of the event to raise concerns that, according to them, continue to be ignored.
They pointed to the lack of effective inclusion in decision-making forums regarding the direction of the province and the city’s neighborhoods.
The women argued that, despite the progress made over the years, there are still significant barriers limiting the participation of women and girls in spaces of power and decision-making.
For them, it is not enough to celebrate the date, it is necessary to turn speeches into concrete actions and design policies that promote greater inclusion.
Janeth Mario, one of the interviewees, emphasized that the struggle for equality must also begin within the female community itself:
“It is not enough for us, as women, to demand inclusion and the enjoyment of our rights as women and girls. We must also respect and love one another, because in many cases it has been women putting down other women, women mistreating other women,” she said.
Other young women stressed that the sustainable development of Cabo Delgado province necessarily depends on direct investment in women and girls. Among the proposals presented are the creation of women’s empowerment cooperatives, training programs, and greater institutional support for women-led initiatives more than what currently exists.
For them, inclusion should not be merely symbolic, but practical and visible, ensuring that women and girls have an active voice in decisions that affect their future and the development of society. (Sifa Artur)
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