Top photo: Anita Américo Luis with Netherlands Ambassador Elsbeth Akkerman.
Story – Larissa Sousa; Photos – Embassy of the Netherlands
Anita Américo Luis is a 20-year-old lady who has been prominent in the fight against child marriage as a former member and promoter of the Gorongosa National Park Youth Club program. Today, she works as a radio announcer in the Nhamatanda District. Throughout her career, she has used communication as a powerful tool to transform realities, promoting debates about sexual and reproductive health on the radio and demystifying the consequences of premature unions.
Recently, Anita was chosen to represent the Sofala Province as “Ambassador for a Day” for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This initiative was promoted by several diplomatic missions in Mozambique, where she had the opportunity to learn about leadership and female empowerment. Her experience was enriched by interactions with influential women, including the First Lady of Mozambique, the Minister of Labor and different ambassadors (5) from European Countries, where they discussed the challenges faced by girls and women in the country.
With a renewed commitment, Anita plans to continue her mission. She believes that information is crucial for young people to make informed decisions about their lives. With her determination and vision, Anita is not only impacting her community, but also inspiring other Mozambican girls to dream and lead meaningful change. Thus, their journey continues, strengthened by new connections and a clear purpose: to fight for children’s rights, gender equality and against premature and forced unions.
‘’I return to Nhamatanda stronger, inspired and with an expanded network to continue my mission of defending children’s rights.” Anita said after she returned home.
We are very proud of Anita, whose involvement was sponsored by the Gorongosa Sustainable Livelihood Development Program.
Anita Américo Luis (fourth from the left) Ambassador for the Day for the Netherlands, celebrates with the other ambassadors for a day representing the United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Canada and Spain.
Anita Américo Luis with First Lady of Mozambique Gueta Chapo.
Auorora Malene, president of the Gorongosa Restoration Project, Anita Américo Luis, and Elsbeth Akkerman, ambassador of the Netherlands.
Young women serving as Ambassadors of the Day, standing in front of the actual ambassadors representing the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Canada and Spain.