MOZAMBIQUE: CHAPO CALLS ON OMM TO STEP UP WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT

Speaking at the opening of the fifth ordinary session of the OMM National Council in Maputo on Monday, Chapo paid tribute to the historical legacy of the Organisation of Mozambican Women while firmly calling for a more dynamic, community-rooted and economically focused institution. 

He described the OMM founded in 1973 during the liberation war as far more than an ordinary organisation. "The OMM is not any ordinary organisation. It is the living continuation of the women's detachment and a school of patriotism, conscience, values, mobilisation and social transformation," he said. Yet the weight of that heritage, in Chapo's view, demands a forward-looking response rather than a backward-looking celebration.

Chapo was unambiguous about what the OMM must become. It must be present not in offices but in communities in the fields, in markets, in schools and in neighbourhoods. He called for a model of leadership built on inspiration rather than hierarchy. "The OMM does not need chiefs, but transformational leaders, because leadership commands while leadership inspires," he said, speaking through Gueta Chapo, OMM President and the First Lady, who also addressed the council. Gueta Chapo reinforced the message, calling for the organisation to become creative, innovative and close to the people. "We want a fighting, close, service and transformation organisation. This way, we will mobilise more women and transform communities," she said.

The presidential address also highlighted the Empodera Fund, which Chapo launched on April 7, 2026, marking Mozambican Women's Day. The fund is designed to open pathways for women's entrepreneurship, income generation and economic inclusion. "With this instrument we open paths for female entrepreneurship, production, income generation and economic inclusion," he said, calling on the OMM to publicise the initiative among its members and help identify sustainable projects that women across the country could anchor their economic futures around.

Chapo stressed the importance of increasing women's representation in political organs and public institutions, describing it as a matter of justice, democracy and the quality of collective decision-making. He pointed to existing progress women present in the National Assembly, the government and superior courts while cautioning that these gains must be actively preserved and extended. The session took place against the backdrop of Mozambique's 50th independence anniversary year, lending additional symbolic weight to discussions about the country's long-term vision for gender equality.

The fight against gender-based violence was also central to Chapo's remarks. He called for a firm response from society and positioned the OMM as playing a central role in prevention and public education on the issue. Mozambique has in recent years recorded alarming levels of femicide and gender-based violence, and civil society has repeatedly pressed the government and its affiliated organisations to take a more visible and decisive stand. In that context, Chapo's direct language treating gender-based violence not as a social footnote but as a national priority carried particular force.