Around 987 women have already been empowered in various areas of activity in Maputo province in the current five-year period, an official source said.

The information was provided by the provincial director of Gender and Social Action in Maputo province, Raquelina Paulo Nhabinde

The provincial director also revealed the existence of several projects linked to women's empowerment in various parts of Maputo province, also involving the private sector.

In terms of gender, the government official said that it was being taken care of. "Thanks to these actions (empowerment) we are currently at 50%, 50%, this is to say that the provincial government is observing the issue of gender equity and equality and we are doing everything to ensure that it is observed."

The source also revealed that in terms of social assistance, around 17,000 vulnerable children are currently being cared for in child protection centers and social units.

However, she acknowledged that there are still major challenges when it comes to general coverage in terms of subsidies. "We have a deficit in the subsidy that has to do with Covid, but we are making efforts to respond," she said.

Nhabinde was speaking this Friday (18) as part of the economic inclusion and job creation program supported by Coca-Cola Sabco (Moçambique) SA (CCSM), in Matola-Gare.