Luanda: The Minister of State for Social Affairs, Maria do Ros¡rio Bragan§a, reaffirmed on Friday in Luanda the Angolan Executive's commitment to promoting women's rights and strengthening cooperation among African peoples.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the Minister of State spoke at the opening of the Meeting of the Council of the Pan-African Women's Organization, highlighting the role of the African Union as a key player in promoting women's rights and building equitable societies. She pointed out that the African Union's Agenda 2063 outlines a vision for a prosperous and peaceful continent that respects the dignity and potential of all women.
The Minister noted the current global context marked by challenges such as economic crises, geopolitical tensions, and food and energy insecurity that disproportionately affect women and girls. She emphasized the compounded threat of climate change and environmental degradation, which severely impacts rural women who rely on natural resources for their families' subsistence.
She argued that climate change is a matter of social justice and gender equality, urging the integration of a gender perspective in climate and sustainable development policies to empower women as agents of change. The Minister also highlighted the persistent cultural prejudices limiting women's potential and the need for awareness campaigns to promote gender equality and female education.
The incidence of early pregnancy poses a significant challenge, she revealed, necessitating the implementation of sexual and reproductive education programs to prevent school dropouts among girls. The Angolan Executive is committed to enacting laws with heavier penalties against gender-based violence and sexual crimes, ensuring effective legal systems for victims to seek redress.
The Minister stressed the importance of the Pan-African Women's Organization as a platform for mobilization and advocacy, calling for reflection on enhancing its role as a strategic instrument for African women. She emphasized the need for resource mobilization, modernization of operating mechanisms, and investment in knowledge production and dialogue platforms.
Financial sustainability of the organization should be prioritized, she noted, encouraging innovative funding models and commitment from member states to maintain its influential voice in leading the gender equality agenda in Africa.
