A new program for the integration of gender perspective in energy cooperation was launched in Maputo 6th of February, during the Second Round Table Conference. The program includes partnerships with four Mozambican ministries, and shall be managed and coordinated by the Ministry of Energy. The Minister of Energy Salvador Namburete, The Minister of Women and Social Action Iolanda Cintura and representatives from both the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Environment Ministry was present and gave their undivided support to the program. Norway got a lot of positive reviews to focus on women's rights and needs in energy cooperation with Mozambique.
The program will have duration of three years and includes capacity building and training with various partner institutions within the energy and petroleum, as well as practical demonstration projects in the provinces. The purpose is to protect the rights of women and promoting gender equality and take into account the situation of women in both strategy formulation and practical implementation of the energy and petroleum cooperation. Focus will also be on the opportunities that access to energy for creating income-generating activities, increased welfare and better health. Mozambique is one of the Norwegian pilot countries for the development of women and gender equality.
Nina Strøm / Mari Sofie Furu / Knut Lakså