Angola: Society Mobilised Against Gender Violence

November 26, 2007 – (AllAfrica) The Angolan society has as of late getting more and more mobilised in the fight against gender violence, its social consequences in the country and in the defence of women's rights.

This was said by Angolan minister of Family and Women Promotion, in a message on the occasion of November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

In the message that reached Angop Monday, Cândida Celeste says that gender violence, particularly against women, in Angola, constitutes a social problem that has reached extremely worrying proportions, with stress to physical, psychological, labour, economic and sexual abuses.

In her opinion, change in attitude is owed to the fact that the Government, with the support of the organised civil society, is making an effort to fight the phenomenon out.

She announced that a National Plan of Action Against Domestic Violence and a draft Law on Domestic Violence, two documents that will enable to deal more appropriately with the phenomenon, are currently in finalisation stage.

On the other hand, the minister said that the number of denounces by victims and witnesses is on the rise in the country, including the number of people seeking counselling and peaceful settlement of conflicts.

The minister also appealed to the media organs to, more than denouncing cases of violence, take a pedagogic and conciliating approach of the matter.

Candida Celeste recalled that the country is faced with several challenges ahead, especially where consolidation of democracy, social and economic development are concerned and the Angolan families making of tolerance and dialogue, respect and comprehension, the main marks of family harmony.

She said that in approving a resolution that officially declare November 25 the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, the UN was adding its force and power to the cry of millions of women that throughout the world continue being victims of violence.

On the other hand, with the creation of the UN Development Fund for Women, initiatives in the defence of women rose throughout the world. This topic currently is on top of Governments' agenda.

The "16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence" campaign started last Sunday in the country, with the main event in Caxito, northern Bengo province, to celebrate the movement's 10th anniversary.

From:http://allafrica.com/stories/200711261985.html