Autistic Pride Day in Beira

Access Bank Mozambique joined the celebration of Autism Pride Day, celebrated on June 18th in the city of Beira. The event included a lecture on autism awareness at the bank's branch in that city, sponsored by the Mozambican Autism Association (AMA).

The session featured two speakers—a psychologist and the mother of an autistic child—who shared technical knowledge and personal experiences about the daily challenges and achievements associated with the autism spectrum. The talk was aimed at all agency employees, providing a moment of learning and empathy.

Autism Pride Day was established in 2005 by the British organization Aspies for Freedom and is celebrated as an act of affirmation and visibility. This date has gained global recognition as a moment to reinforce respect for neurodiversity and recognize autism as an identity, not a condition to be corrected.

Meanwhile, continuing the awareness-raising efforts, an Autism Awareness March took place on June 21st, also in the city of Beira, which was attended by approximately 350 people. The initiative also included a health fair, where Access Bank had the opportunity to showcase its products and services. The event also included aerobics activities, a concert, and a food fair.

"By supporting these initiatives, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusion and positive impact on the communities where we operate. Raising awareness is an essential step toward building a more empathetic, informed, and equitable society.", said Chiwetalu Obikwelu, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank Mozambique.

Back in April, as part of World Autism Awareness Day, Access Bank Mozambique joined a roundtable on this topic. More than 200 people participated, including experts, parents, and representatives. The initiative, which was promoted by AMA and various entities and Bank employees, was under the motto 'Our Voice Matters, Autism in the First Person'. The initiative highlighted the importance of listening to and valuing the experiences of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Since it began operating in Mozambique, Access Bank has embraced this cause, demonstrating its commitment to inclusion and diversity. These actions also reflect the Bank's ongoing commitment to promoting initiatives that value diversity and foster constructive dialogue on relevant social issues.