Africa-Press – Angola. The advancement of gender equality in the context of nutrition and food security is undoubtedly one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century, said this Tuesday, the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy. and Sustainable Environment, Josefa Sacko.
The AU commissioner was speaking during a lecture in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in allusion to the 8th of March, International Women’s Day, under the theme “The role of women in contemporary society: challenges and opportunities”, whose meeting was attended by the presence of Ambassador Francisco da Cruz.
He argued that it is necessary to “continue to examine opportunities, as well as constraints, to empower women and girls to have a voice and be equal participants in decision-making related to nutrition and sustainability.”
“Numerous studies show that even today women suffer from inequality in the labor market compared to men. Overall, only 48% of women over 15 are employed – for men, this number is 75%”, he informed. Josefa Sacko.
She clarified that the UN theme for International Women’s Day 2022 – “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow” – coincides with the African Union’s theme for this year which focuses on strengthening the continent’s nutritional resilience and food security. , with a view to strengthening agro-food systems, health, social protection, as well as accelerating the development of human and economic capital in Africa.
The meeting, under the initiative of Ambassador Graça da Cruz, took place in a hybrid format (virtual and in person). On the occasion, Graça da Cruz highlighted that the event “offers an opportunity to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women”.
He also mentioned that the role of women in contemporary society is a relevant and current topic, which encourages increasingly present debates, as they appear necessary for gender equality and the valorization of the determination of ordinary women who make a difference in history. of their countries and their communities in favor of sustainable, inclusive and ethically acceptable development.
For the ambassador, the event is part of a national context in which the Angolan Executive, under the leadership of the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, is engaged in the implementation of the National Development Plan 2018 -2022 which includes, among other aspects, a set of measures that contribute to greater inclusion and affirmation of women in society.
“In this context, several initiatives were approved, namely the Support Programs for Gender and the Promotion of Women, the Support for Victims of Violence, the Valorisation of the Family and Community Development and the Promotion of Rural Women. specific areas where barriers to the empowerment of women in Angola are still noted”, underlined Graça da Cruz.
For More News And Analysis About Angola Follow Africa-Press
