ExxonMobil and MASC Foundation support Women Empowerment in Palma

• Wanawake (Women) Movement intends to reach 1,000 direct female beneficiaries in Palma District

The livelihood restorations initiatives, Wanawake Movement and Kuinua, focus on economic empowerment of women and girls affected by the conflict in Palma district through craftmanship. These initiatives will support beneficiaries by improving leadership skills, craft skills, economic opportunities, business management skills and women’s product offerings. The programs will also enhance the capabilities of women to participate in peace building initiatives within their communities by transforming them into peace ambassadors.

The main objective of the Wanawake Movement is to ensure better livelihoods and resilience of women against the effects of conflict and climate by means of the capulana, a fabric ingrained in Mozambican culture and used in Mozambican households. Wanawake Movement intends to reach 1000 direct female beneficiaries in Palma District.

Kuinua initiative will support women through craft production, using traditional weaving, to create sustainable livelihood sources among girls and women IDPs and host communities. 50 groups, totaling 250 women and girls, will be the direct beneficiaries of this initiative.

“Our experience has proven that by empowering women you strengthen not only their family, but also their community.” Said Arne Gibbs, General Manager for ExxonMobil Moçambique, Limitada. “We are committed to women empowerment by supporting initiatives that generate income, and ultimately support the development and prosperity of Mozambican communities.” João Pereira, Executive Director of the MASC Foundation shares: “MASC Foundation’s mission is to contribute to a better Mozambique. We pledge to support and empower the most marginalized groups, particularly youth and women to overcome political and economic barriers. Through this partnership we are assisting, and will continue to assist, these groups”.

About ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy and petrochemical companies, creates solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs. In Mozambique, ExxonMobil holds a 25 percent indirect interest in Area 4 and will lead the construction and operation of future natural gas liquefaction facilities. In addition, ExxonMobil was awarded the joint rights to negotiate the Angoche basin (A5-B) concession, as part of Mozambique’s fifth licensing round. Please visit: www.exxonmobil.co.mz or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ExxonMobilMocambique

About MASC Foundation

The MASC Foundation defines as its vision an inclusive, stable, and resilient Mozambique, where unprivileged communities are empowered to access political institutions and resources, where human rights and social justice are considered, local capacities are built, working conditions and service delivery improved, gender discrimination and vulnerability of communities reduced. Its mission is to work with vulnerable communities in order to promote good governance, improve access to basic services and socio-economic status, combat social injustice and inequality particularly for women and socially and excluded people, among other activities.
Please visit: https://masc.org.mz/ or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mascmoz/