While many women and youth in Angola lack access to training and opportunities, social initiatives are blooming to help them fight the status quo and achieve their dreams. We sat down with 25-year-old Carmen Mateia, a social activist who made it her life’s mission to empower young people and foster community development across the country and beyond. Carmen is—very impressively—the founder of several initiatives, here are just a few of them:
Through “Turista Sem Kumbú - Consultoria Comunitária” (“Tourist Without Money—Community Consulting”), Carmen travels around the country, as well as internationally, to teach about organizing for community action, youth social advocacy, civic leadership, fundraising, the creative economy, human rights, women’s rights, and social project management. Her aim is to empower local leaders to face challenges and promote sustainable development in their communities.
Another project, “NFL - Na Fila Do Pão” (“In the Bread Queue”), allows her to ensure that young people have access to opportunities by providing them with a space for discovery and growth—a community where links and information are shared about job vacancies, trainings, scholarships, partnerships, and more.
Finally, “Associação Agitadores Culturais” (“Cultural Agitators Association”), which is considered the largest youth movement in the province of Benguela, builds upon Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to promote culture and human rights in Angola.
Carmen, how and when did a woman as young as you become aware of social differences and start worrying about reducing the inequality gaps?
It was in the scouting environment, at the age of 12, that I discovered my passion for associativism and took my first steps in leadership. Those early experiences taught me the importance of community and collaboration and the positive impact they can have on people’s lives. But it was at the age of 20 that my journey took a new turn, when I participated in the Young African Leaders Initiative Program (YALI) and realized the true potential of my actions. It suddenly became clear to me that I could not only continue my volunteer work, but also professionalize it.
In your opinion, what is the role of local communities in promoting sustainable development? How can young people lead these initiatives?
Local communities are the guardians of our natural and cultural resources and have in-depth knowledge of the specific needs and challenges of their region. Their active participation is, therefore, essential to ensure that development initiatives are relevant, effective, and sustainable in the long term. Young people have enormous potential to lead local initiatives, as they bring energy, creativity and new perspectives that are vital to tackle today’s challenges.
How have you addressed the issues of gender equity and violence against women in your projects?
Within the framework of “Turista Sem Kumbú” I organize workshops and training sessions on gender and women’s rights and help women consolidate their own autonomy by offering programs on leadership, project management, and the creative economy. I also work to influence public policies that protect women’s rights and strengthen the application of laws, most notably by participating in consultations and public hearings on matters related to girls and women. I was among those who tested the UNICEF manual on sexual and reproductive health, for instance.
Through “Associação Agitadores Culturais” we provide education and raise awareness on gender equity and violence against women by offering workshops, talk shows, and community-based movie viewings that address those issues. These initiatives allow me to give direct and practical support to women who are dealing with gender-based violence, which is not only physical.
What strategies do you believe are the most effective to promote female emancipation and gender equity in Angola?
The most important thing is to adopt a multifaceted and integrated approach. I strongly believe in the importance of providing women and girls with education and training in leadership, project management, and entrepreneurship. That way, they can develop essential skills and achieve economic autonomy. Education programs should also include awareness-raising discussions about gender rights and equity and help deconstruct harmful stereotypes and norms.
It is no less crucial to empower women economically by providing women-led enterprises with the financial support and resources they need to become independent and actively contribute to their communities. I’m also convinced of the need for advocacy to influence public policies and legislation that promote gender equity and protect women’s rights, including by working with governments and organizations to ensure the implementation and reinforcement of the laws that combat gender-based violence and promote equity in all sectors of society.
Other factors come into play, of course. Those that most interest me include the development of awareness-raising strategies, which are fundamental to change attitudes and behaviors in relation to gender, as well as the promotion of positive role models to boost the visibility of women leaders and highlight their successes in order to inspire others. Finally, I am a big believer in the creation of support networks and mentoring programs for women. Through these strategies, we can challenge cultural and social norms that perpetuate inequality.
What motivates you to dedicate yourself to community causes and impact so many people?
My main driver is my passion to transform lives and create opportunities for young people. I have a deep, almost religious belief in their potential to lead change, along with a strong faith in social justice. I also want to leave a positive legacy as someone who inspired the current and future generations to fight for equal rights, opportunities, and development.
What would you say are your limits, and perhaps those of women like you?
As Michelle Obama said: “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” I am convinced that any woman who is given the opportunity to build her own agenda, gain visibility, and rely on strong support networks can overcome any barrier and achieve any goal, regardless of the challenges she meets.
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