The State Secretary for Family and Women's Promotion, Alcina Kindanda, participated in a listening session organized by civil society organizations. This event took place in the context of the presentation, in Geneva on the 15th of the month, of the eighth periodic report of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
The meeting included representatives from ministries such as Justice and Human Rights and Social Action, Family and Women's Promotion, as well as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and national civil organizations.
In her speech, Alcina Kindanda emphasized that Angola needs to present a realistic, balanced, and well-founded perspective, admitting both the achievements made and the challenges that still require intervention.
The secretary highlighted that combating violence against women and girls is a priority, which must be done by strengthening prevention mechanisms and reporting and protection, ensuring access to legal and psychosocial assistance, and promoting the effective accountability of aggressors.
She stressed the need to ensure that all women, including those in rural areas or in situations of greater vulnerability, can enjoy their rights without facing economic, geographical, or social barriers.
Additionally, the Angolan government pointed out that education and prevention of early pregnancy in adolescence, as well as combating child marriage and keeping girls in school, are crucial strategies for reducing poverty.
Kindanda admitted the persistence of obstacles and inequalities but defended that the progress achieved should be recognized, and that the new instruments approved should be seen as part of a continuous process of improving public policies.
For her part, Antónia Yaba, State Secretary for Human Rights and Citizenship, mentioned that the purpose of the meeting was to submit the vision of the Angolan government and the actions implemented to the analysis of civil society organizations, aiming to identify remaining challenges and suggest improvements to existing initiatives.
Denise António, UNDP representative in Angola, noted that the session in Geneva, Switzerland, would be an opportunity for Angola to present advances since the last review in 2019 and reaffirm its commitment to promoting women's rights.
UNDP recognized and praised Angola's efforts in strengthening its legislative, institutional, and political framework, aligned with the commitments made under CEDAW and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Denise António warned that despite the advances, many women and young people still face difficulties in accessing economic opportunities, participating in decisions, protection against violence, and the full exercise of their rights.
She added that the CEDAW process should be viewed not only as an accountability mechanism but also as a way to intensify dialogue and drive practical actions, reinforcing that the active participation of civil society organizations is vital to ensure transparency, monitoring, and the ownership of this mechanism.
Finally, Denise António reiterated UNDP's commitment to continue supporting Angola in eliminating all forms of discrimination against women and girls.