In reference to the International Day of the Girl, which is celebrated on October 11th, the Ministry of Social Action, Family and Promotion of Women (MASFAMU) held a reflection workshop on Marriage and Early Pregnancy.
In his intervention inspired by the statement of UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Angola Resident Representative, Dr. Mady Biaye, stated that Angola is making progress in gender equality with several developed political and legislative frameworks being implemented, but there is still a lot to do. He also referred to the fact that UNFPA works hand in hand with its partners to support girls and adolescents in building a healthier and brighter future.
Together with the Government, the World Bank and UNICEF, UNFPA is intensifying its country interventions to empower girls, end child marriage and provide vocational training, education and reproductive health services to girls, said UNFPA Resident Representative.
However, he emphasized that we must act faster and bolder so that every girl, wherever they are, grows up confident that her body is hers, that her future is hers, that she can go to school, have access to the health care she needs and can live without violence.
Still in his intervention, Mr. Biaye mentioned that the benefits of ending child marriage go beyond the protection of health and Human Rights. The improved educational outcomes that follow provide girls with the opportunity to gain employment in the formal economy making a more productive contribution to their households.
In his speech, Mr. Biaye warned that, as we approach the 2030 SDG deadline, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that all adolescent girls, in all their diversity, can exercise their rights and choices, realize all their potential and build the future you imagine for yourself.
