Profile Mozambique: How do you define the Be Like a Woman program?
Fausia Gonçalves: I see Be Like a Woman as a transformative program focused on empowering women in various areas. It not only provides technical training but also essential mentorship and a support network. The program goes beyond skill acquisition; it is a space that fosters the creation of a community where women can support one another, challenge themselves, and grow together.
PM: What motivated you to apply for the program as a mentee in 2024?
FG: My decision to participate in the Be Like a Woman program was driven by the continuous need for personal and professional growth. I work in the transportation sector, a particularly challenging field that is still predominantly male-dominated. This environment, by itself, demands that I constantly adapt and find ways to stand out.
The Be Like a Woman program offers exactly what I need: networking, learning, sharing, and access to extraordinary women who can help me broaden my horizons while providing me with a more comprehensive vision. In summary, I was looking for a space of genuine exchange where the synergy among participants enables not only the sharing of knowledge but also the strengthening of each of us as we pursue growth.
PM: What are the main challenges you have faced in your journey as an entrepreneur?
FG: As a woman, one of the main challenges I face is often being required to prove that I master my work simply because I am a woman. In a sector like mine, which is predominantly male, I am constantly challenged to demonstrate my competence and knowledge—something that often does not happen with men.
This constant process of having to “prove” my worth, passing tests of acceptance, and dealing with gender stereotypes is something many women face in the business world. There is an expectation that, because we are women, we must show ourselves to be more prepared, more competent, or even more resilient to achieve the same recognition as men.
PM: How has your participation in the Be Like a Woman program impacted your business?
FG: My participation in Be Like a Woman has had an impact, particularly in key areas such as strengthening my resilience, opening up new markets, and implementing more innovative practices. Throughout the program, despite the limitations imposed by the political tension in the country, I have been acquiring effective tools for business management and some essential elements for the strategic conduct of business, such as the importance of investing in employee training and sharing the company’s values with the team.
Furthermore, the exchange of experiences with other women in the program has been a constant source of inspiration. Interaction with women from different areas has allowed me to adopt new perspectives, which has made me more confident.
PM: What advice would you give to women who wish to enter a challenging business field?
FG: The advice I would give is, undoubtedly, to never give up, even in the face of difficulties. Let me give you an example: “The eucalyptus takes time to grow, but when it does, it becomes strong and solid.” Just like this tree, the beginning of a journey in the business world is often challenging and requires patience, but it is important to understand that this growth period is essential so that, when we reach maturity, we can face any obstacle with firmness. However, we cannot stop when we begin to see results.
Success does not come immediately, and persistence is essential. Perseverance is what transforms challenges into opportunities and learning. Finally, it is important to understand that the path will be full of ups and downs, but each difficulty faced brings lessons. The key lies in resilience and in constantly adapting to market changes.
