The rector of the Polytechnic University, Narciso Matos, believes that, despite the achievements in the fight for gender equality, there are still areas of discrimination against women in the country, especially within families and communities, where they continue to be subordinated.

To overcome this situation, Narciso Matos points out as solutions the joining of efforts in the fight against gender-based discrimination, as well as the continuous fight to preserve the gains achieved so far because "the mentality transformations are not made in one day or in one event. They are processes that must be permanent, repeated, and there has to be perseverance.

"We should never cease to be grateful for the fact that we live in a country where the role of women, since the beginning of the nation's independence, has always been recognized. Everyone, including the youngest, grew up knowing that April 7 or Josina Machel and many other heroines who gave their lives and continue to give their contribution to the development of Mozambique," he stressed.

As the rector of the Polytechnic University stressed, these gains should be praised. "Mozambican women raised the flag of this nation, and every year we celebrate their day. These are small victories that sometimes we think are there by chance, and they will be even if we don't continue to fight for them."

Narciso Matos was speaking on Tuesday, March 8, in Maputo, at the celebration ceremony of the International Women's Day, organized by the Polytechnic University in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which was held under the theme "Climate Change and Migration: a matter of gender equality".

On the occasion, Narciso Matos stressed the importance of the theme, taking into account the vulnerability of the country to climatic events: "I know of few things as important as these for our country. Just count how many cyclones have hit Mozambique in recent years and how many people have lost their lives, their homes, their businesses. And the cyclones don't stop! Unfortunately, they have become normal and frequent."

Still on the subject, IOM representative Linda Manjate explained that, although climate change represents a risk for all of humanity, women and girls in particular suffer the greatest impact, especially when they are in a situation of migration, which is often forced.

Regarding the anniversary, like Narciso Matos, the IOM representative said there is still much to be done to achieve gender equality and parity: "There are still many challenges. Discriminatory laws and social norms continue to be widespread, women continue to be underrepresented at all levels of leadership, and one in five still report having suffered some form of violence in the past 12 months."

"The trend is growing and there is more awareness. We can say that everyone is talking about this need for gender equality and I have faith that one day we will get there. Gender equality is not only a human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable model of our society," he concluded.