Maputo, August 29, 2025 – The MAMAP Project, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries (MAAP) and UNIDO, held a workshop in Maputo to validate the Gender Strategy in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector (EGPA 2025–2029), a milestone in advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in a strategic sector for Mozambique.
EGPA 2025–2029 is not the result of a single event. The document was developed throughout 2024–2025, in technical coordination with national directorates and entities under the supervision of MAAP and through a consultative process that involved gathering comments from various stakeholders: state institutions, cooperation partners, civil society organizations, women’s associations, cooperatives, and representatives of fishing communities. This process ensured institutional alignment, active listening, and ownership by those implementing it on the ground.
During the workshop, UNIDO consultant Dr. Luísa Artur presented the proposed Strategy, which was developed based on public consultations, policy reviews, and contributions from multiple actors. The EGPA is structured around five pillars:
- Inclusive Value Chains and Women’s Empowerment
- Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality
- Leadership and Representation
- Social Safeguards and Labor Standards
- Research, Advocacy, and Partnerships
Discussions highlighted the need for dedicated budgetary resources, the creation/strengthening of gender units in institutions, access to credit for women entrepreneurs, and a change in mindsets to overcome taboos and sociocultural barriers still present in fisheries and aquaculture.
The meeting was closed by the National Directorate for Environment and Climate Change, represented by Dr. Sónia Muando, who highlighted the importance of inter-institutional coordination and joint commitment to transform the Strategy into concrete results.
With this validation, MAMAP reinforces its commitment to supporting inclusive public policies that ensure greater participation and leadership of women in the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture in Mozambique.
Watch the full video here:
