Luanda - The First Lady of Angola, Ana Dias Lourenço, on Friday in Luanda, praised the “We are equal" campaign as a collective effort to promote gender equality and reduce inequalities across the continent.
Ana Dias Lourenço made the statement at the opening of the Conference of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), which was witnessed by the Angolan president, João Lourenço.
According to the First Lady, the "We are equal" campaign is focused on four main pillars, namely health, gender violence, education and economic empowerment.
Each of these pillars, Ana Lourenço said, brings together local leaders and communities for action around crucial issues that jeopardize the development of countries.
In Angola, according to Ana Dias Lourenço, the initiative tops education for the empowerment of women, promoting their sexual and reproductive health, protecting children, guaranteeing a fairer and more equitable society for the well-being of all women and men, in particular girls and boys.
"Child and youth violence is a social problem that disproportionately affects women, girls and boys, impacting on all areas of their lives and compromising their fundamental rights, physical and mental health, financial freedom and preventing their full development and happiness," Ana Lourenço said.
The First Lady called on community and religious leaders, public and private institutions, young people and civil society to embrace the cause, helping to promote gender equality and eliminate child and youth violence in the country.
According to Ana Lourenço, besides being a response to these challenges, the campaign is also a declaration of collective commitment by the African Women's Development Organization to building a fairer, more equal and safer future for all.
The First Lady expressed intention to work closely with civil society organizations, churches, schools, universities, public and private institutions, the media and local communities to ensure that this campaign has a lasting and transformative impact.
according to the First Lady, the campaign running under the motto "Education for Gender Equality and the Fight against Child and Youth Violence", seeks a comprehensive and inclusive approach that involves raising awareness, educating and empowering all sections of society for commitment and action on the part of the government, legislators and other key players.MCN/AMP
