Luanda - The minister of State for Social Affairs, Dalva Ringote, said Friday in Luanda that the lack of preparation of Angolan women has been a barrier to gender empowerment.
The minister made the statement during the opening of the "Women, Tradition and Future" Colloquium, promoted by the Kudia Food Bank Association (AKBA) and the African Women's Group.
The minister said the Angolan government is concerned with the empowerment of women, a fact that led to the definition of a set of policies to improve the political and social position of women in the national, regional and global context.
"The big barrier is not only the policies of the executive, they are anchored in the lack of preparation of the women", the minister said.
The representative of the Kudia Food Bank Association (AKBA), Teresa Teixeira, said the objective of the meeting was to approach African traditions, its positive points and what should be strengthened during a discussion without any kind of taboo.
The meeting brought together women from various social strata, topics such as the rituals in Africa that mark the transition from the young girl to the adult phase and genital mutilation were discussed, making an in-depth reference to the habits and customs of the people.
Menstruation, early pregnancy, breast-feeding and sexual harassment, as well as prostitution and paedophilia were also part of the issues discussed in the meeting.
The colloquium also included a cultural exhibition of plastic arts, ceramics and textiles and the participation of various African diplomatic representations.
