The Representative of UNFPA Angola took part in the central act of the celebration of International Women's Day, an event that brought together ministerial entities, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and United Nations agencies in Angola, with an approach focused on investing in women and girls.

The Ministry of Social Action, Family and Women's Promotion (MASFAMU) and the United Nations in Angola held an event to commemorate International Women's Day on 8 March in Luanda, reaffirming the country's and the UN's commitment to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.  

"Although progress has been made in recent decades, particularly in Angola, gender-based violence and stereotypes continue to exist. Women continue to be victims of all kinds of violence," said the Minister for Social Action, Family and the Promotion of Women, Mrs Ana Paula da Silva do Sacramento Neto, during her opening speech.

Speaking on behalf of the Representatives of the UN Agencies in Angola, Dr Zahira Virani, UN Resident Coordinator in Angola said: "As we celebrate today's achievements, we also commit ourselves to the challenges ahead such as teenage pregnancy, which affects one in three girls and child marriage which is estimated at the same rate, impacting the lives of women and girls and posing high risks to their health and well-being, and that of their communities."

During the event, participants had the opportunity to explore an exhibition space for reusable menstrual pads, highlighting not only their practical usefulness but also their positive impact on the environment and the family economy, as well as receiving leaflets with enlightening and educational messages about menstrual health. 

By providing access to practical and educational information, at an event with a significant presence of women, UNFPA demonstrates its ongoing commitment to promoting women's health and well-being, empowering them to make informed and healthy choices regarding their reproductive health.