Luanda - Mozambican writer Paulina Chiziane Monday in Luanda called for unity and the strengthening of partnerships between Angolan and Mozambican women to boost socio-economic issues in the two countries and the African continent.
Speaking to the press after an audience with the Vice President of the ruling MPLA, Luísa Damião, the writer emphasized that the two nations need to be together, since Africa needs a strong economy and strong women, as well as "mental liberation".
The writer pointed out that around 75 percent of the economy of African countries is in the hands of women, hence the need to unite synergies to define what to do in order to empower women, given their strength
"We must join forces, fight against prejudice, especially against women who are 'zumgueiras' (street vendors), because if we look at the pyramid we will see that the majority or the base of the pyramid are these women who financially support the whole of Africa," the writer said.
The 68-year-old writer, who has published 13 literary works, the first of which at the age of 35, considers her work to be her legacy.
Paulina Chiziane is considered to be the first Mozambican woman to publish a novel in her country and the first black woman to receive the Camões Prize, as well as recently being named one of the 100 most influential women in the world in 2023. JAM/VIC/TED/AMP