The President of the Republic, Daniel Francisco Chapo, announced on Tuesday (7) in Maputo the launch of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Fund (EMPODERA), a government initiative aimed at promoting women’s economic autonomy, expanding opportunities, and strengthening entrepreneurship, as part of the April 7 celebrations, Mozambican Women’s Day.
Speaking at the central ceremony marking the event, which also concluded Women’s Month, the Head of State explained that the creation of this fund is a concrete response to Mozambique’s commitments to promoting prosperity with dignity.
He added that EMPODERA aims to support productive initiatives and create conditions for more women to transition from vulnerable situations to financial stability. For the President, investing in women is strategic, as their empowerment “is a matter of justice, democracy, development, and national future.”
On the occasion, Chapo recalled the historical importance of the Female Detachment, a symbol of organized women’s participation in the national liberation struggle. He emphasized that women’s contribution to state-building cemented the belief that “women’s emancipation is not an act of charity. It is a revolutionary necessity, a guarantee of its continuity, and a condition for its success.”
Reviewing current achievements, the Head of State highlighted that the country is approaching gender parity in secondary education, with 49.9% of students being girls, and reached 97% institutional deliveries in 2025. In governance, he noted visible progress in the Assembly of the Republic, where 38.8% of seats are occupied by women, consolidating their representation in decision-making centers.
Daniel Chapo Expresses Concern About Gender-Based Violence
The Head of State described gender-based violence as one of the gravest assaults on human dignity and called for firmness from judicial authorities. He reiterated that implementing laws such as those on Early Marriages and the new Family Law is essential to ensure that human dignity “cannot be undermined by customs or inherited inequalities.”
“Honoring Mozambican Women is honoring the Mozambican nation itself. Where women are respected, justice flourishes. Where women are protected, peace strengthens. Where women have opportunities, Mozambique grows.”
He also expressed solidarity with families affected by recent natural disasters in the country, recognizing that women and the elderly are the most vulnerable in such crises, and praised Mozambican women’s ability to rebuild and keep hope alive.
At the end of his speech, President Daniel Chapo called for a profound cultural change involving families, schools, religious leaders, and the private sector. He argued that real transformation requires more than laws; it requires the courage to speak out and a commitment from men and youth to a new culture of respect.
“Honoring Mozambican Women is honoring the Mozambican nation itself. Where women are respected, justice flourishes. Where women are protected, peace strengthens. Where women have opportunities, Mozambique grows,” he concluded.
Source: Diário Económico
