Mozambican National Women’s Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Mozambique

National Women’s Day is annually observed on April 7 in Mozambique. It is the anniversary of the 1971 passing of Josina Muthemba Machel, the activist who fought for the liberation of African women, particularly Mozambican women, during the liberation struggle.
The holiday honours the rights of women in Mozambique as well as their struggle to attain them.

The background of Mozambican National Women’s Day

Josina Machel was the second wife of the first president of Mozambique, Samora Machel. She will forever be remembered for her commitment to Mozambique’s War of Independence and her contribution to the fight for women’s liberation. Josina Abiathar Muthemba was born on August 10, 1945 in Vilankulo.

She fled Mozambique at the age of 19 to join the Mozambican Liberation Front (FRELIMO) in Tanzania, where she fought against the Portuguese colonial regime. She quickly rose through the ranks of FRELIMO and was one of 25 young women to endure three months of military training for the Mozambican guerrilla war. In 1969, she was designated head of FRELIMO’s Department of Social Affairs. In this capacity, she established childcare and educational centres in northern Mozambique and advocated for females’ education.

She married Samora Machel in 1969. A year later, she became ill and was brought to Moscow for treatment; liver cancer was the diagnosis. The physicians prescribed bed rest, but Josina refused to comply. She continued her endeavours until her death in 1971, at the age of 25. A year later, FRELIMO proclaimed April 7 as National Women’s Day in Mozambique. In addition, it established the National Organization of Mozambican Women as the social and political instrument of the movement for women. After Mozambique’s independence in 1975, the organisation continued to strive towards women’s emancipation.

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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MOZAMBIQUE

Approximately fifty percent of Mozambique’s population consists of young adults and infants.

Each year, Mozambique exports thousands of tonnes of crustaceans.

In Mozambique, more than 80 languages are spoken.

Six countries border Mozambique: Malawi, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

It is believed that the chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, constructed in 1522, is the earliest European structure in the southern hemisphere.

MOZAMBICAN NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY DATES