The AWARD community in Mozambique, in conjunction with the Agricultural Research Institute of Mozambique (IIAM) recently held a special symposium on “40 years of women’s contribution to agricultural science, technology, innovation and development”. The event was organized as part of the national celebrations marking Mozambique’s 40 years of independence. It was noted that there have been immense milestones reached in the country’s agricultural sector, including increased involvement of women in various agricultural sectors, particularly research and development.

Presiding over the opening ceremony, US Ambassador to Mozambique, Douglas Griffiths, spoke at length on the untapped potential and contribution that women can have on global development, and the realization of development goals. “When we see today some of the Mozambican participants in AWARD, financed by the American government, particularly in the area of agriculture, we feel that we are really contributing to the empowerment of Mozambican women,” said the ambassador.

Other guests at the event included Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Ms. Luísa Meque, the Director General of IIAM, Prof. Inacio Calvino Maposse, AWARD Director, Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Leonor Domingos, USAID Senior Food Security & Disaster Response Advisor, and AWARD Fellowship Officer, Everlyne Otunga.

USAID is a strong supporter of AWARD’s work in Mozambique and through their funding, AWARD has been able to reach more women through its fellowship program. To date, 52 individuals have directly benefited from AWARD, and have in turn reached thousands of Mozambicans through role modelling, mentoring and coaching activities.

At a separate meeting, fellows discussed the state of agricultural research and development in Mozambique, extension and agribusiness as some of the issues the AWARD Mozambique chapter would like to address. Deliberations were also held on how best to incorporate women scientists who are not direct beneficiaries of the AWARD Fellowship, and mentoring activities for youth to take up agriculture as a subject in schools.

AWARD is committed to engaging the wider African agricultural research and development community by supporting the growth of AWARD country chapters in countries with an AWARD presence. For more information on AWARD country chapters, kindly contact AWARD Deputy Director of Learning and Outreach, Raymond Brandes at award_ddlo@cgiar.org.

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