ExxonMobil Foundation supports women empowerment

• Funding supports the Business Women Connect initiative
• 700 women have completed the program in four years

The program partners with financial institutions to provide business and financial literacy to women micro-entrepreneurs through business development and management classes, as well as coaching and training to promote increased savings and formalize business and family finances. The program has already graduated 700 women originating from the provinces of Maputo and Inhambane.

While many experienced business challenges due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, BWC participants received continuous digital training and instruction and showed tremendous resiliency in revising their business plans. Many of the services such as hair salons, take-away’s and tailors were able to take their service door to door while respecting health regulations and guidance.

“Women empowerment is an important part ExxonMobil’s global community investment strategy, and we value the instrumental role that women play in society and the economy,” said Jos Evens General Manager for ExxonMobil Moçambique, Limitada. “We are pleased to continue to partner with TechnoServe in promoting the development and empowerment of Mozambican women.”

The 2021 BWC initiative expects to train 250 women. The program will continue to provide training on business investment, financial management, customer service, and marketing through digital channels, while COVID-19 restrictions remain in place in order to secure business continuity for micro-entrepreneurs.

“This year was critical for all businesses,” said Jane Grob, Country Director for TechnoServe. “We are glad that so many of the beneficiaries were able to adjust so quickly following the imposition of restrictions to secure income for their households and ensure business continuity.”

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About ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. In Mozambique, ExxonMobil holds a 25 percent indirect interest in Area 4 and will lead the construction and operation of future natural gas liquefaction facilities. In addition, ExxonMobil was awarded the joint rights to negotiate the Angoche basin (A5-B) and the Zambezi Delta (Z5-C and Z5-D) concessions, as part of Mozambique’s fifth licensing round.
Please visit: www.exxonmobil.co.mz or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ExxonMobilMocambique

About the ExxonMobil Foundation

The ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The foundation and the corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that include advancing education, promoting women as catalysts for economic development and combating malaria.

About TechnoServe Mozambique

TechnoServe has been providing technical assistance to Mozambique’s industries, agribusinesses, and entrepreneurs with high-growth potential for over 20 years, since our office first opened in 1998. We have helped create a competitive and sustainable commercial agricultural sector, which has generated opportunities for small-scale rural producers and suppliers, in addition to new employment opportunities for the rural poor. TechnoServe also supports the microentrepeurship entrepreneurship sector whose businesses have the potential to transform communities but often lack business skills such as financial management.