Not all women passively accept the gender roles socially assigned to them. Some women choose to pursue courses that are dominated by men, thereby challenging the stereotypes imposed by society.
In many places around the world, women are the heart of their communities. Global research and statistics show that when you invest in women, it doubles for families, communities, and society as a whole.
Luciana Macuácua is a recent graduate of the Electricity Installer course of the Socio-Economic Empowerment of Women and Youth in Mozambique project implemented by ADPP with financial support from Humana Austria and the City of Vienna.
Luciana stood out when she was considered the best student in the course, which was mostly attended by men, a fact that, according to her, did not affect her performance.
“In the beginning it was a little difficult, but as time went by I fitted in and mastered it (…) today I feel fulfilled and ready for the job market” – she said.
According to Luciana, the great advantage of attending a professionalizing course is self-employment: I don’t have to wait for a contract to start working. In my community I can do small jobs that can guarantee my livelihood.
Ester Novela, coordinator of the project explained that the project had many challenges imposed by the Covid 19 pandemic, which were overcome thanks to the commitment and dedication of the trainees and the trainers.
“We feel very happy, because many women are joining the courses in relation to previous quarters in particular for the course of Electricity Installation where many women are breaking the fears of being electrocuted during the practical classes and breaking the taboo of seeing electricity as a branch for men” – said adding that the project aims to reach more women as well as people with special needs, because gender equality and social inclusion is the biggest focus.
Note that the project “Socio-Economic Empowerment of Women and Youth of Mozambique” envisages increasing access and completion of inclusive, gender-sensitive and market-oriented vocational training for 240 young men and particularly girls in Maputo province, also including people with disabilities.
