Celebrating Women's Month: Women in the Workplace: Rights, Duties, and Challenges

A reflection on the theme "Women in the Workplace: Rights, Duties and Challenges," alluding to Women's Month and April 7th, Mozambican Women's Day, was held on April 9th ​​at the School of Communication and Arts (ECA) of UEM. The lecture was attended by a large number of female employees, both from the teaching staff and the technical-administrative staff, as well as retired professors. The topic was presented by Dr. Ernestina Chirindja, a UEM alumna, who is currently the President of the Labor Mediation and Arbitration Commission (COMAL) of the Ministry of Labor, Gender and Social Action.

The Director of ECA, Professor Ezra Chambal Nhampoca, highlighted the contribution of women holding leadership positions in the Organic Unit, as well as the challenges faced in the context of academic training. In her speech, she also emphasized the importance of continuing to promote women's participation in the management of administrative and academic processes.

The speaker shared her work experience, highlighting her dedication, competence, and respect for her work, which earned her support during her onboarding and first days of employment. Regarding women's rights in the workplace, she reminded the audience, composed mostly of women, that women have equal rights to men, such as the right to vacation, equal pay, and protection, among others. She also emphasized that, although employers are not very sympathetic to the idea, women, in particular, and due to motherhood, also gain the right to 90 days of maternity leave, among other specific rights. She mentioned that challenges for women include balancing work and family and dealing with potential gender stereotypes.