The Ministry of National Defence (MDN) of Mozambique aims to invest more in the training of women in leadership positions within the Mozambican Army and other sectors, with the goal of fostering transformative and inclusive management models.
The announcement was made today (July 7) in Maputo, at the opening of a three-day workshop aimed at, among other objectives, empowering women—senior officers in leadership and decision-making roles—to adopt a transformational leadership style as a strategy to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women in the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces (FADM).
According to Lola Paulino, a representative of the Ministry of National Defence, the initiative is strategic as it is part of broader efforts to implement the women’s agenda.
She added that the initiative also contributes to strengthening leadership skills among female officers, with a focus on the transformational model, centered on inclusion, equity, and the promotion of gender equality within the defense sector.
“This event includes a strong participatory component, allowing for experience-sharing, individual and collective reflection, and simulation of practical exercises in order to consolidate a strategic and collaborative leadership vision,” she said.
Participants are expected to leave the workshop equipped with tools to actively contribute to the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, to apply principles of inclusive leadership in their roles, and to reinforce institutional commitment to gender equality through collaboration networks among women leaders.
UN Women’s representative, Marie Kayizire, noted that the partnership with the MDN has been rewarding and is already showing promising results.
“This training aligns with four thematic areas of UN Women’s work—namely political participation, leadership and decision-making, peace, and security,” she said.
This type of training is unique in many ways, being the first to include information specifically targeting military women in leadership and decision-making roles.
“It is taking place in a year that marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which remains the most comprehensive global framework for women’s rights,” she said.
Additionally, it is being held during the year that marks the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which laid the groundwork for reforms through subsequent resolutions, highlighting the importance of armed forces in achieving gender equality.
Source: AIM
