Ernst & Young (EY), one of the largest service providers in the national market, held a lecture on women's empowerment on November 16 at the Maputo Pedagogical University (UPM) in Maputo city.

The session, which took place as part of International Student Day, was attended by a group of around 50 students from the fields of Economics, Management, Technology and Engineering and its main aim was to debate the issue of female empowerment and gender equality.

With the aim of inspiring and making younger people aware of the need for a paradigm shift, EY presented the key principles that companies and organizations can adopt to combat gender inequality.

Sylla Dulobo, head of EY's administrative department, said that "female empowerment is about giving women the power to decide their own lives and make their own decisions".

In her view, "a woman can be anything she wants to be. She can be a successful professional and at the same time be a good wife and mother," she said.

"Although I think women still have a long way to go to overcome social prejudices, I believe it is possible to fight for a more equal society," Sylla Dulobo said.

Throughout the session, many students took part in the debate, showing their willingness to break down social barriers and become agents of change in Mozambican society. "Unfortunately, for cultural reasons, many young people still believe that certain courses should not be attended by women.

Somehow I believe that this lecture will make many colleagues analyze and reflect on this topic," said Suleina Manafe, an electronic engineering student at the Pedagogical University of Maputo.

For Eugénio Gazite, president of the UPM Students' Association, the topic of female empowerment is of great importance in academic circles because young people play an important role in the community and are the future of the country.

"This initiative promoted by EY was very positive because it highlighted the importance of behavioral change in society, so that in the future there will be more and more empowered women and a world where there is gender equality," said the President of the Students' Association.

It should be noted that over the years, EY has developed various female empowerment programs, such as 'EY NextGen Women', a global project that encourages the rise of women and enables them to have a successful career in the areas of strategy and transactions.

This initiative reflects Ernst & Young's commitment to female empowerment, showing itself to be a company that respects gender equality and promotes diversity.