The womens' group in Nampula

Womens' Programs Donors: Various

      In Mozambique, as in countries all over the world, there is inequality between the status of men and women. Women in Mozambique are expected to be good mothers of numerous children, cook the meals, keep the house and clothes clean, go to market to buy what the family needs, and still add what they can to the income of the family. The women of Mozambique are extremely competent and energetic. They are very active members of the church, and are an important part of the the life of the Presbyterian Church in Mozambique.
     Within the framework of Presbyterian womens’ groups a number of small income and educational projects have been started among various communities in Mozambique. The income projects are designed to help the women raise funds for projects they consider important, such as building schools or buying furnishings for a church. The educational projects are intended to help women improve their life skills, and give their children a better chance.
      In Beira, Matola, Xai-Xai and Machava, women are learning to sew on sewing machines provided by the IPM. In Tete, women are selling beverages to raise funds for school fees. In Matola, women are learning how to knit and embroider. Beira and Maputo both have projects in making batiques and colorful cloth. Presbyterian women across the country are being empowered by learning new marketable skills, and with their newfound powers, they are in turn supporting the Presbyterian Church.

The womens' sewing group in Matola