Luanda: The Angolan government will continue to eliminate all structural inequalities that limit women’s empowerment, Vice President Esperan§a da Costa said Friday in Luanda. The vice president made the statement at the International Women’s Conference, organized by the Angolan Women’s Organization (OMA) under the theme ‘Women crossing borders: their stories and dreams,’ as part of the upcoming 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence, to be celebrated on November 11.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Esperan§a da Costa highlighted the indispensable role of women in Angola’s recent history, noting their contributions to peace, national reconciliation, stability, cohesion, and unity. She emphasized that women continue to play an essential role in Angola’s economic and social development, which is crucial for achieving prosperity for all citizens.
In her speech, the Vice President noted that the President of the Republic, Joo Louren§o, is committed to eradicating the structural inequalities that hinder women’s access to education, land, financing, markets, and economic institutions. She stressed the urgency of implementing and promoting effective public policies to combat gender-based violence and discrimination.
Esperan§a da Costa also pointed out that transforming the role of women in society requires a collective, firm, and continuous effort. “We are with you. It will be our collective determination to overcome all the barriers that still limit women from achieving fair and full empowerment,” she stated.
The one-day conference gathered members of the MPLA, the OMA, political leaders, activists, representatives of civil society, and churches. Angola’s independence was declared on November 11, 1975, by Ant³nio Agostinho Neto, who later became the first President of the Republic.