52. In Mozambique’s context, the principle of equality becomes more obvious as we
speak against the discrimination of women. A number of measures have been put
in place to effectively bring about gender equality.
53. In 1999, the government established the Ministry for Women and Social Action.
Gender Units have been established at ministerial level and in provincial
directorates. Health, Women and Social Action Services have been established in
districts to address relevant issues at local government level.
54. A Gender Policy and Implementation Strategy was approved in 2006 and aims at
the integrated development of key action programs with a view to promoting
gender equality, respect for human rights and strengthening the role of women in
the country’s development.
55. In 2009, the government approved a Gender Strategy for the Civil Service. It
included the adoption of guidelines for promoting gender equality while managing
human resources in the public sector.
56. Mozambique has been strengthening institutional mechanisms designed to
promote women as a means of effectively guaranteeing equal rights opportunities
for men and women.
57. In this context, we single out the establishment of the following mechanisms:
The National Council for the Advancement of Women (CNAM) was
established in 2004. It is responsible for intersectoral coordination, the main
goal being to stimulate and monitor the implementation of government
policies and programs on women and gender. The CNAM coordinates gender
integration in the country, and comes under annual scrutiny from the
Ministers Council. The CNAM includes government members and
representatives of non-governmental organizations or associations, churches,
trade unions and the private sector.
The Parliament Committee on Social, Gender and Environment Affairs,
which is responsible for integrating environment protection and gender
equality issues in the agenda of the Assembly of the Republic.
The Office of Women MPs which, among other things, aims at creating a link
between women parliamentarians and women organizations so that gender
issues and the campaign against poverty may be part of the Assembly of the
Republic’s deliberations.
The Women Ministers and Parliamentarians Network, a nonpartisan forum
where women who are or have been cabinet members or parliamentarians
may exchange views and map out strategies aimed at ensuring greater
participation of women in decision-making and in the country’s development.
Combined Report from the Republic of Mozambique to the ACHPR, 1999-2010
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