SHEvolution, a platform dedicated to promoting leadership, communication, collaboration and social impact, held the fourth edition of its debate series on identity and social expectations on 5 November at the School of Communication and Arts of Eduardo Mondlane University (ECA-UEM) in Maputo. Under the theme ‘The Man Behind the Armour & The Woman Who Sets Down Her Burdens’, the event brought together more than 100 participants to reflect on the roles assigned to men and women and the influence of social expectations on human relationships.

According to a statement sent to Diário Económico, the initiative brought together participants from different fields to discuss how social norms and expectations shape individual behaviour. The debate focused on identity formation, vulnerability, and the role of communication in interpersonal relationships.

During the event, Dário Camal, an ambassador of SHEvolution, highlighted the influence of communication on how people relate to one another, drawing attention to the social pressure placed on men, who are frequently expected to project strength, assume responsibility and resolve problems — even when they themselves need support.

‘The way we communicate profoundly influences the way we relate to one another. We often adjust our image and behaviour to meet what others expect of us. Men are frequently assigned the responsibility of being strong, solving problems and protecting others. But throughout that process, few people ever ask how they are doing,’ he said.

Sylla Faruk, founder of SHEvolution, explained that the platform seeks to create spaces for reflection on social and human issues, encouraging participants to question behaviours and rethink the way they build relationships.

‘We do not simply want to promote conversations. We want to create spaces that lead us to question behaviours, revisit perspectives and build more conscious relationships. The theme of this edition reminds us that behind the roles we play and the responsibilities we take on, there are people. And we need to build a society that has room to acknowledge that human dimension,’ she said.

The fourth edition formed part of the activities developed by SHEvolution throughout 2026, among which a notable initiative was carried out in partnership with the Escola Primária da Katembe, involving approximately 520 children in human development activities.

The collaboration with ECA-UEM sought to bridge the academic community, professionals and broader society, fostering the sharing of experiences and debate on social issues with younger generations.

The discussion featured contributions from Vicente Sitoe, Elizabeth Castro, Cláudia Ernesto Gouveia-Lecuane, Kátia Massarongo-Nguelume and Carmen Comé, under the moderation of Mirza Jamal.

The event marked the close of SHEvolution’s in-person conversation series for 2026. The platform also plans to hold the SHEvolution Brunch & Yoga on 10 November, an event dedicated to wellbeing and the sharing of experiences. For 2027, new initiatives and partnerships are planned, maintaining the platform’s focus on promoting dialogue, collaboration and social engagement.

Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=558597