Luanda: Angola has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sexual health and preventing early pregnancy-priorities within the framework of a regional project by the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This statement was made by Teresa da Silva Neto, Chair of the Women Parliamentarians Group, during a series of talks held in Luena, Moxico province, aimed at raising awareness about child education and protection.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the Member of Parliament (MP) emphasized that comprehensive sex education should be viewed as a right to information and a tool for social transformation-essential for empowering young people to make responsible decisions, prevent HIV/AIDS infections, and avoid early pregnancies. Teresa da Silva Neto underscored that child protection goes beyond the legal, constitutional, and policy obligations of lawmakers, constituting an ethical, moral, and community duty as well.
She argued that this responsibility begins within the family and must be reinforced through integrated, human-centered, and community-oriented public policies. "By caring for our children today, we are securing Angola's socioeconomic and human progress for tomorrow," she stated. The parliamentarian also highlighted the role of female MPs, who-in addition to their legislative duties-fulfill responsibilities as mothers and educators; this gives them a heightened sensitivity to the needs of families, especially the most vulnerable ones.
At the opening of the event, the Governor of Moxico province, Ernesto Muangala, noted that the presence of the parliamentarians in the region signals a closer relationship between the National Assembly and local communities, strengthening the shared commitment to promoting social well-being and defending the rights of children and adolescents. The governor stated that the motto "For the education and protection of our children" reflects a cause that should mobilize all of society, emphasizing that combating child sexual abuse and preventing early pregnancy require coordinated action among the State, families, and society.
Awareness-raising activities promoted by the Women Parliamentarians Group continue this Wednesday, July 1, with a health outreach initiative in the 4 de Fevereiro neighborhood of Luena.
