Luanda - Angola´s First Lady Ana Dias Lourenço predicted major challenges in dealing with the problems exacerbated by lockdown and economic downturn, after COVID-19 pandemic.
The concern is expressed in a message of congratulation, ahead of celebration of March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD).
Ana Dias Lourenço points out domestic violence, gender-based violence and unemployment, particularly women, as the problems that have been worsened.
To her, it is women who have more difficulties in keeping their jobs in crisis, as they are required to stay at home to take care of their children and family.
“More than ever, we must value the skills acquired by women in the professional, family and social context, and launch awareness among the whole of society, in particular companies and other employers, to incorporate the principles of gender equality and non-discrimination, and of parenting ”, she said.
She recalls that the Covid-19 pandemic allowed us to observe that, in a moment of profound anguish, the active participation and resilience of women is fundamental for the rapid response to the different social and economic situations impacted by the great economic and social crises.
“We are witnessing the active participation of a group of women in different areas of knowledge, in the search for solutions, in taking measures and at the forefront in the fight against the pandemic and in the treatment of the sick, stressed Ana Dias Lourenço.
In her view, scientists, health professionals, women assigned to the defence and security organs, educators and mothers stand out in this group.
In her message, ahead of International Women's Day, she recalls that in this pandemic period they supported the efforts of these women with biosafety material, food, maternity kits and play material.
“They were and are, essentially, women who were most committed to raising the population's awareness of compliance with biosafety measures and the promotion of health and well-being for all citizens, especially children and the elderly.
The First Lady says that “sex education and the strengthening of family planning and all measures that can prevent teenage pregnancy, access to antenatal care and safe and humanized childbirth are priorities in“ our countries ”.
She calls for continuing to “advocate for governments to adopt sustainable policies and programmes in this area”.
“I continue to defend the commitment to education as essential for an integrated and sustainable development”, says the wife of the President of Angola, defending a platform of partnerships and solidarity in a national and international context.
According to her, this partnership platform must have strong roots in the Portuguese language space on the African continent, but also in the context of the United Nations.
“… Our work will only be consistent if we prepare it for the women and men of tomorrow”, she added.
“On this March 8th, 2021, an atypical year in which the world continues to live the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, I greet and congratulate all women in the world for International Women's Day, especially Angolan women, with whom I share the responsibility for a legacy left by the queens-warrior women of our history.
A legacy of dignity, freedom, solidarity and social justice ”, she writes.
The United Nations Organization made March 8 official as the International Women's Day in 1975.
The date serves as an awareness to fight against gender inequalities in all societies.
