Ernst & Young (EY) Mozambique, in partnership with the pan-African network New Faces New Voices (NFNV) and the Graça Machel Trust, officially launched the second cycle of the “Be Like a Woman” programme in Maputo on Wednesday (26). The initiative aims to promote the inclusion and empowerment of women in the corporate environment, equipping them with essential tools to reach positions of leadership and entrepreneurship, with a strong focus on gender issues.
The managing director of EY Mozambique, Paulo Reis, opened the event by underlining the importance of the investment made in the programme, despite the significant costs associated with it. “There are logistical and preparation costs for the people who take part as mentors, but we have managed to do a lot through co-operation with partners such as New Voices, BCI and Rádio Índico,” he said. Paulo Reis also pointed out that the real cost of the programme lies in the dedication of the professionals, many of whom contribute voluntarily and graciously.
Tânia Saranga, president of NFNV, mentioned the innovations of this edition, which include expanding the target group to include associations, civil society groups and women from the informal sector, recognising the significant impact of these groups on Mozambican society. “We’re going to tackle topics related to ethics and integrity, artificial intelligence and investments, giving women the tools to make informed and safe decisions,” she explained.
The ceremony was also attended by Alcinda Licussa, winner of the first edition of the programme, who shared her experience. “For me, it was a great privilege to have been part of the programme for the purpose of valuing and recognising the role of women in the corporate world and in society. What made the programme different was that the facilitators were experts who were able to share practical experiences with us,” she said. Alcinda Licussa also highlighted the importance of mentoring, which allowed the participants to receive personalised support and deepen their knowledge.
Francisco Costa, chairman of BCI’s board of directors, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the project, emphasising its importance for improving the business environment and promoting gender equality in Mozambican President. “The BCI is particularly keen for this second edition to be even more successful than the first. The training that this project provides is of great value,” he said.
During the first edition, the programme registered 300 applications, of which 35 women were selected and benefited directly. This year, registration for the programme runs from 1 to 31 July, with the expectation of attracting an even greater number of applicants from all over the country, promoting a more inclusive and sustainable business environment.
The “Be Like a Woman” initiative reflects EY and NFNV’s commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive business world, empowering women to reach the top of their careers, whether they are entrepreneurs, professionals in the corporate sector or managers of social impact projects.
The launch event brought together various partners who, through collaboration and mutual support, are helping to realise this ambitious project. Paulo Reis stressed that the programme’s success does not depend solely on financial resources, but above all on the dedication and cooperation of those involved. “What’s important here, what’s important for the country, for the candidates and for the people taking this course, is exactly the benefit that all of us and the country can derive from this,” he concluded.
Thus, the second edition of the “Be Like a Woman” programme promises to be a significant step forward in promoting the empowerment and inclusion of Mozambican women, reinforcing their role in the country’s economic and social development.
