Ernst & Young Mozambique, in partnership with New Faces New Voices, concluded the first cycle of the "Be Like a Woman" program in February. Over four months, around 35 women entrepreneurs developed their leadership skills, attending a series of masterclasses with experts from around the world, receiving mentorship, and gaining access to various essential resources. The program helped the entrepreneurs expand their networks and boost the growth of their businesses and professional careers.
The award ceremony and closing event was an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the participants throughout the program, and the impact it had on their personal development and businesses. Awards were given to highlight the hard work, innovation, and growth achieved by the participants.
Social activist Graça Machel, present at the event, said, "This program is an important step in the right direction to promote gender equality and empower women entrepreneurs as well as professionals in Mozambique. I feel motivated and inspired by the dedication and positive impact these women have on the country's development. I want to see each of them represented in various sectors, armed with a sense of belonging to Mozambique," said the founder of the Graça Machel Trust.
Graça Machel also highlighted the need for greater representation of women in leadership positions in the African continent, ensuring that the activism programs she leads will continue to provide support in this direction. According to EY Be Like a Woman, the aim is to provide tools to women in middle leadership positions or medium-sized entrepreneurs in different areas of activity, with the goal of ensuring that they are increasingly prepared to integrate into the corporate world, as well as ensuring that their relevance and role are recognized in that sphere.
the importance of women's economic empowerment for the sustainable and inclusive growth of Mozambique. "We are extremely proud of the results achieved in this first cycle of the Be Like a Woman program," said the same official, noting that throughout the program "the participants demonstrated incredible commitment, determination, and talent."
About 35 Be Like a Woman participants lead businesses, as well as teams, with high growth potential, who benefited from mentoring from various nationally and internationally recognized professionals. For Alcinda Licussa, Human Resources Director of Ecobank and winner of the first edition of Be Like a Woman, "This is not just a personal milestone, but also a call to action." "We must continue to work tirelessly to create a more inclusive and equitable business environment for women in Mozambique. Together, we can achieve great feats and inspire future generations of women leaders," said Alcinda Licussa.
Márcia Maposse, entrepreneur, founder of Bindzu Agribusiness and Consulting, Seana Daúd, founder of INVXT Agro Investments, and Winie Makande, Senior Consultant at ICC - International Capital Corporation, placed second, third, and fourth, respectively. Ernst & Young Mozambique and New Faces New Voices remain committed to continuing their collaboration to accelerate gender equality and economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs and professionals in Mozambique.
