Luanda: The First Lady of Angola, Ana Dias Lourenço, on Thursday emphasized the need for collective action in addressing violence against children and young people, urging immediate and decisive efforts from all sectors of society. She made this appeal during the presentation of the Action Plan for the ‘We Are All Equal’ Campaign, a significant initiative launched on August 9 aimed at promoting humanization and empathy among citizens.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Ana Dias Lourenço highlighted the importance of education for gender equality and the eradication of violence as foundational elements for a future where no child bears the scars of violence. She stressed that this campaign is integral to safeguarding human rights, ensuring the dignity of every individual, and prioritizing the protection and education of the younger generation.
The First Lady shared alarming statistics from the National Children’s Institute (INAC), revealing that four children fall victim to violence daily in Angola. Thes
e incidents predominantly occur within domestic settings, where children are supposed to feel safe and loved. She remarked on the devastating impact of sexual violence, which not only shatters dreams and disrupts families but also leaves enduring scars on victims.
Ana Dias Lourenço underscored the necessity for a supportive system that offers more than just justice to these victims; it must also restore their dignity and provide the necessary emotional support. She described the Action Plan as a concrete strategy to address and reduce violence, emphasizing the need for a unified effort that transcends national borders.
The plan focuses on education for gender equality and aims to establish a comprehensive system for preventing violence. It includes proposals for awareness-raising, training, enhancing protective networks, and strengthening legal frameworks to effectively prosecute offenders. The presentation event was attended by government officials, religious representatives, and other significant stakehol
ders, all committed to building a more equitable and inclusive future.
