Luanda - The Angolan state has taken significant steps in the implementation of programmes aimed at progressively harmonising the political, economic and social order of the SADC countries, within the framework of regional cooperation and integration, parliamentarian Ruth Mendes said on Tuesday.
Presenting the report on the implementation of the resolutions adopted during the 54th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (FP-SADC), she pointed out that Angola has ensured the acceleration of the implementation of the organization's policies, protocols and resolutions in various areas.
According to the parliamentarian, the country has developed permanent work for the creation of proposals for model laws, whose main focus is the child, such as children's parliament, the national policy for 1st childhood and municipalization of the 11 children's commitments.
She informed that the implementation of these actions is also aimed at the eradication of child marriage and the protection of child victims of this social problem.
She also highlighted the promotion of women's participation in all decision-making spheres, in institutions, organizations and other social structures in the country.
By the way, she exemplified the fact that the positions of Vice-President of the Republic and President of the National Assembly are held by women, along with the Executive having a Minister of State.
She informed that of the 23 ministries, eight are headed by women, making up 39 percent.
At the level of secretaries of state, of the 49 existing, the source said, 11 posts are occupied by women and, at the level of governors of the 18 provinces, four are occupied by women.
On the other hand, he noted that of the 220 deputies that make up the National Assembly, 83 seats are occupied by women, making up 37.7 percent.
During the presentation of the report, within the framework of the 55th Plenary Assembly of the SADC PF taking place in Luanda, she assured that the law on political parties encourages the participation of women in all decision-making positions in the political sphere without discrimination of quotas.
She also informed that in terms of management and leadership positions in public institutions, of the 53,707 public agents who hold leadership positions, 31 percent are women.
Combating gender-based violence
In her dissertation, parliamentarian Ruth Mendes also highlighted the fact that, the new Penal Code in force, includes more severe penalties for all types of gender-based violence, including rape
In addition, she emphasized that the new General Labor Law provides for measures to protect and safeguard women in the workplace and against sexual harassment.
Women benefit from loans
Regarding the adoption of regional and national policies on cross-border trade, she revealed that Angola benefits from the support promoted by SADC through the GIZ Project, benefiting companies managed by women through loans.
According to the parliamentarian, this process aims to support the group of women who work in formal commerce, allowing the exchange of experiences between them at national and regional level.
She reiterated Angola's commitment, as an active member of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, to embody the responsibilities assumed for a promising economic and social integration of the countries of the region.
In addition to Angola, the other member states of the SADC PF ALSO PRESENTED their reports on the implementation of the resolutions adopted during the 54th Plenary Assembly of the SADC PF.
At the 54th Plenary Assembly of the SADC PF held November 2023 in Port Louis, Mauritius, resolutions were adopted urging member states to adopt measures to strengthen the objectives of regional integration. DC/SC/DOJ
