THE FACES AND VOICES OF WOMEN MATTER
We were invited by someone familiar with our sensitivity on this issue to participate in an event under the theme “The Faces and Voices of Women Matter,” within the framework of the Inclusive National Dialogue, an initiative promoted by the Government of Mozambique to foster a public consultation process aimed at governance reform, with a view to consolidating peace and national reconciliation. In this context, the goal is to overcome the historical exclusion of women and strengthen a more open, representative, and transformative process.
Approximately 500 women from diverse backgrounds participated in the meeting: associations of various kinds, groups with pluralistic interests, and national and international non-governmental organizations. From the outset, it was clear that the event would be characterized by pluralism, open debate, and a wealth of perspectives. The opening message stated: “This dialogue is more than politics.” It is recognizing that every woman’s face is a map of resilience and every voice an echo that calls for change.
Previously, at the provincial level, a process of reflection and deliberation had been developed around the following strategic axes: human resources; the justice system; security, defense, reconciliation, and national unity; the economy; and women’s inclusion. During the meeting, the conclusions of this work were shared, and subsequently, a space was opened for the participants to contribute.
In each of these axes, three fundamental challenges experienced by women were identified, as well as the measures that the Government should adopt to urgently respond to these needs.
The meeting was distinguished by the diversity and representativeness of its participants: young women, rural women, displaced women, women with disabilities, LGBTQI+ women, informal sector workers, among others. This plurality reaffirmed the importance of promoting a truly inclusive national dialogue.
It is difficult to summarize the breadth of the issues addressed. These were urgent and pressing demands, expressed with the radicalism and strength of women who face their daily lives amidst multiple limitations and vulnerabilities; resilient and determined women who experience exclusion in every area discussed.
Among the measures recommended to the Government are: facilitating access to financial credit; ensuring that the benefits of megaprojects directly impact rural communities; redistributing income derived from mining; facilitating women’s access to land ownership; promoting their inclusion in decision-making processes in all branches of government, establishing participation quotas in all social sectors; eradicating gender-based violence and combating femicide; offering free economic training; ensuring dignified resettlement; and fostering women’s entrepreneurship, among many other proposals.
It would be desirable for the Government, as its representatives present at the meeting indicated, to embrace these challenges and effectively incorporate these demands into its agenda and policy proposals. Since the cause of women is part of our charismatic DNA, our participation in this gathering inspired us to present, in this inclusive national dialogue, a proposal aimed at defending and safeguarding the ethical and moral values of children, youth, and women, who are builders of a society that promotes justice, dignity, and universal fraternity.
Maputo Community
Mozambique
