Why Humanism is Needed in my Country - Mozambique

By Altaf Baba

Mozambique is a country with a history shaped by struggle colonial oppression, a brutal civil war, and ongoing challenges of poverty and inequality. It’s a place that has endured a lot, but it also has immense potential for growth and transformation. As I think about the future of my country, I can’t help but feel that the answer to many of our deepest problems lies in a fundamental shift in how we approach life and society. I believe that adopting the values of humanism, the belief in human dignity, equality, and the potential for reason and compassion to guide us could help Mozambique find a path toward lasting change.

Humanism, at its core, is about putting human beings first. It’s an ethical perspective that sees the worth of every individual, regardless of race, religion, or background. It emphasizes empathy, reason, and social responsibility, and calls on us to recognize that true progress comes not just from economic growth or technological advances, but from creating a society where people’s rights and dignity are respected. In a country like Mozambique, where so many people still struggle with poverty, inequality, and a lack of opportunity, these values have the potential to make a world of difference.

In Mozambique, poverty is one of the most pressing issues. Despite years of economic growth, the gap between the rich and the poor remains stark, and millions of people still live below the poverty line. A large portion of the population, particularly in rural areas, lack access to basic services like healthcare, education, and clean water. These struggles are not just economic, they're a matter of human dignity. Humanism calls for a society where every person has access to the tools they need to live a fulfilling life, where healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and education is available to all, regardless of their background or where they come from.

Imagine if the government and the people of Mozambique took humanist principles to heart in shaping our policies. We would see a shift toward prioritizing the well-being of all citizens, especially those who have been marginalized for too long. Public policy would be about creating systems that ensure everyone has access to the basic building blocks of good quality healthcare, free and fair education, and economic opportunities that don’t leave anyone behind. It’s not just about economic development; it’s about developing a society where people’s lives are improved in meaningful, tangible ways.

For instance, when it comes to gender equality, humanism offers a blueprint for change. Women in Mozambique, like in many parts of the world, face barriers that limit their potential. They are often excluded from the workforce, denied access to education, or subjected to violence and discrimination. But humanism says that every person, regardless of their gender, has the same inherent worth and the same right to thrive. By embracing these values, Mozambique could foster a society where women have equal access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities. Women could take on leadership roles, contribute to the economy, and play a central role in the country’s future. This wouldn’t just benefit women, it would benefit everyone. A society that empowers women is one that grows stronger, more resilient, and more just.

Corruption has also been a major obstacle in Mozambique. It’s easy to feel disillusioned when so many public resources are squandered, and the people who need help the most are left without support. But humanism offers a way forward by prioritizing ethical leadership and transparency. A government grounded in humanist values would be one that is held accountable to the people it serves. It would emphasize the importance of honesty, integrity, and fairness, ensuring that public officials work for the good of all citizens and not just for their own benefit. With stronger systems of accountability and a commitment to transparency, Mozambique could begin to root out corruption and create a government that truly serves its people.

At the same time, humanism can help heal the divisions that have plagued Mozambique for so long. The civil war that raged from 1977 to 1992 left deep scars, not just in the physical landscape but in the hearts of the people. Regional and ethnic tensions still simmer beneath the surface, and it can feel as if we are still a nation divided. But humanism teaches us the value of empathy and dialogue. It reminds us that we are all human, that we share a common humanity, and that our differences should not divide us, but rather enrich our society. Embracing these values can help us build bridges between communities, foster understanding, and create a more unified country. It starts with listening to each other, with recognizing that we all have a stake in the future of Mozambique, and that together, we can overcome even the deepest divides. This idea of unity and peace extends beyond just political or social harmony; it also connects to the way we interact with the environment. Mozambique is blessed with rich natural resources, from vast forests to offshore oil and gas reserves. Yet, too often, these resources have been exploited in ways that harm local communities and the environment.

Humanism offers a different way of thinking about our natural wealth. It encourages us to consider the long-term well-being of both people and the planet, rather than short-term profits. By focusing on sustainable development, Mozambique could ensure that its resources are used wisely, benefiting future generations while preserving the environment for the people who depend on it. This could mean promoting renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and responsible mining practices policies that not only protect the environment but also ensure that the benefits of Mozambique’s resources are shared by all. What excites me most about humanism is its potential to inspire a new kind of leadership, one that is grounded in empathy, reason, and a deep respect for human dignity. Leadership in Mozambique, at all levels, needs to be about service to the people, not power or self-interest. If leaders at every level of society embraced humanism, they would focus not just on economic growth, but on creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This kind of leadership would build trust, strengthen institutions, and help transform Mozambique into a nation where the dignity and well-being of all citizens are at the forefront of decision-making.

Of course, such a transformation won’t happen overnight. It will take time, patience, and the collective effort of every person who believes in the potential of Mozambique. But the values of humanism provide a powerful foundation for the kind of society we all want to build a society that respects and uplifts every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. By embracing these principles, Mozambique can move toward a future where every person is valued, every community has a voice, and the country as a whole is united in the pursuit of justice, equality, and peace.