From one birthday cake to a business of her own: Beatriz Jaime shapes her future in Mozambique

Now 26, Beatriz owns ABI Sabores, a growing catering and food services business in Nampula Province. The enterprise serves individual and institutional clients, employs two young women from her community and helps pay for her university studies.

"That cake was the first money I earned from my skills. It made me realize that I could turn my knowledge into a source of income," she recalls.

Financial constraints had long narrowed Beatriz's options, and university seemed beyond reach. In 2018, a school friend introduced her to the Rapariga Biz Programme. In its safe spaces, she learned about sexual and reproductive health and rights, leadership and life skills and knowledge that strengthened her confidence and helped her set goals.

"The training helped me think differently about my future and realize that I could define my own goals," she says.

Turning skills into income

Through the programme's economic empowerment component, implemented by UN Women in partnership with the Alberto Cassimo Professional Training and Labour Studies Institute (IFPELAC), Beatriz trained in information and communications technology, cooking and pastry arts. "I always loved cooking, but I never imagined it could become a business," she says.

After developing a business plan, she received seed capital and a start-up kit from UN Women, including a stove, oven, mixer, kitchen utensils and furniture. These resources allowed her to put her training into practice and begin earning.

"The start-up kit changed my life. It gave me the opportunity to begin and believe that my business could grow."

In 2022, Beatriz officially launched ABI Sabores. As orders increased, the business grew from a personal livelihood into a source of work for two other young women.

"It makes me proud to know that my business is helping other women support themselves and continue their education," she says.

Education, income and the agency to choose

Income from ABI Sabores enabled Beatriz to return to university after a two-year interruption caused by financial difficulties. She is completing a degree in Social and Organizational Psychology at Rovuma University and expects to graduate in 2026. "Returning to university was one of the greatest achievements of my life. There were moments when I thought I would never be able to continue my studies."

For Beatriz, the programme's impact was cumulative: education opened possibilities; vocational and business skills created an income; and reliable income allowed her to stay in education and make informed decisions about her life. Access to information on sexual and reproductive health and rights further strengthened that agency.

"Unlike many girls around me, I decided to delay motherhood because I had a plan for my life," she explains. "The information I received helped me make informed decisions and stay focused on my studies and my business."

Beatriz is now working to expand ABI Sabores, secure dedicated premises and provide catering for larger events and conferences. She also wants her journey to encourage other girls to invest in their ambitions.

"Never give up on your dreams. Stay focused, keep learning, and never let challenges define who you can become."

About the Rapariga Biz Programme

The Rapariga Biz Programme supports adolescent girls and young women in Mozambique to exercise their sexual and reproductive health and rights and build more secure futures. Through safe spaces, mentoring, life skills, vocational training and economic opportunities, the programme connects knowledge and education with livelihoods, decision-making power and agency. It is implemented by UNFPA, UN Women, UNICEF and UNESCO, with support from the Governments of Sweden and Canada. UN Women leads the programme's economic empowerment component, working with partners including IFPELAC to help participants translate skills into sustainable income.