Prevention and awareness of early detection and treatment have proved an effective formula in the fight against breast cancer, which Millennium bim sponsors and recommends.
To prevent, raise awareness and encourage women in the fight against breast cancer, Millennium bim, through a fashion show forming part of the “Renascer com a Juju” (“Reborn with Juju”) initiative, celebrated the values of all women who face the prejudices and challenges imposed by the disease. Held on 1 October, with around 15 women, models who suffer from breast cancer, the show was organised by the actress and presenter Joanett Rombe, known as Juju, and followed World Breast Cancer Day, observed on 19 October, with the aim of supporting women with the disease to embrace differences and stand firm in the fight for life.
Every year, Millennium bim holds events involving various multisectoral stakeholders as part of Pink October, alerting women and girls to the importance of preventing and detecting the disease early. “Renascer com a Juju” is one more. The Bank decided to embrace the cause as part of its social commitment to contributing to the country's economic and social development. The fight against breast cancer contributes to this since a country's development depends, to a great extent, on the well-being and quality of life of its community.
According to Liliana Catoja, Executive Director of Millennium bim, "at the Bank, this issue is of genuine interest to us. Seventeen years ago, in 2005 to be exact, we launched the Cartão Mulher (Woman Card), a solution that includes insurance covering the costs of breast cancer and cervical cancer. We are aware that women bear a psychological burden caused by the disease, but also an associated financial burden, and in this sense we need to think about it and deal with it. Both men and women, we are all called to this cause. This disease has no face, race, religion or continent; it affects everyone, which is why we recommend self-examination and prevention.”
And Joanett Rombe added: "Unfortunately, society is still not ready to normalise 'having a breast removed'. Many women are afraid to do so because they fear rejection, abandonment, stigma and discrimination. More than supporting women in this cause, we want society not to judge them by their appearance but rather to support them in their condition, because breast cancer is among us; it is a reality. We extend our special thanks to Millennium bim, as we are witnesses to its active social side in making the gala happen and for the cause with which we are associated."
By supporting the fashion show, the Bank aims to celebrate the testimony of the women who are fighting to beat breast cancer, drawing the attention of Mozambicans in general to the need to pay closer attention to the signs of this condition, thus encouraging women in particular to seek health services as early as possible, while also instilling the need for prevention through some daily actions, such as self-examination, regular physical activity and a healthy diet, among others.
