The Government of Mozambique has made the achievement of gender equality a major objective in its Poverty Reduction Strategy, and specifically recognises that the empowerment of women is a decisive factor in endeavours to reduce poverty. In that light, the Embassy has financed a series of three studies highlighting gender policies and the feminisation of poverty in Mozambique.
On Monday June 20, the Embassy, together with AustralCowi, organised a seminar in Xai-Xai to mark the launch of the third of these reports. The seminar was held in Xai-Xai as the report includes studies from the rural and urban Gaza. The seminar gathered representatives from the local communities under study, local NGOs, local government institutions and representatives from central government and partners.
After a presentation of the findings of the report, government officials, scholars, and representatives from local and central NGOs participated in lengthy discussions on topics from the report such as the empowerment of women, poverty reduction, and the still widespread practice of lobolo – a bride-wealth which entails that the woman is tied to the family of her husband unless the lobolo is paid back, which for many poor families is impossible.
The practice of lobolo, and the continued importance of the patrilineal descent system for defining the rights and obligations of men and women, is argued in the report as the main reason for persistent gender disparities in Gaza. This conclusion is reached despite the fact that women are included in the job market and have increased access to education.
The seminar in Xai-Xai was the second in a series of three seminars, the first being held in Nampula in June 2010, and the third being scheduled for September/October in Maputo. The seminar in Maputo will involve high-level participants from the Ministry of Women and Social Action (MMAS).