The project aims to empower women and address gender inequalities through training and support for employment or entrepreneurship.
Directly involved are 1,140 (63 % female) youth: 140 people receives life skills, vocational training, and entrepreneurship; 1000 receive professional guidance. Additionally, 9,360 youth will be sensitized on gender equality. Indirectly involved are 63,300 people, including families, communities, and local businesses.
Unemployment in Mozambique has reached alarming levels, with approximately 28% of young people aged 15-24 of the young population categorized as NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) according to the World Bank. This socio-economic vulnerability is even more pronounced among young women with around 34% of young women classified as NEETs . Women face additional risks such as unintended pregnancies, sexual violence, and other psychosocial challenges. This context highlights the urgency of targeted interventions to empower young people, especially women, with professional skills, access to education, and employment opportunities. The program aims to address these issues, focusing on tangible outcomes in reducing youth unemployment, promoting at the same time gender equality, and strengthening the economic resilience of local communities.
JOSSOAL (Jovens de SOALPO), a Mozambican NGO, was created in 2005 on the initiative of the workers of the local company TextAfrica to overcome oppression and gender inequality and improve the living conditions of women, girls and children in the province of Manica.