"In this month of March dedicated to women, we pay a profound tribute to Angolan women, for their contribution to the struggle for national liberation, to national reconstruction, to the economy in general but in particular to agriculture, education and teaching, culture and arts, sports, science and research and everything that contributes to the integral development of the country", said João Lourenço, speaking on the last day of March Women.
On the occasion, the President of the Republic also valued the merit of women: "Our congratulations and encouragement for conquering, over time, as a result of their struggle and through their own merit, the place they deserve in Angolan society."
"We know that the road to be traveled in terms of gender equality is still long, we need to continue to combat discrimination, domestic violence where women and children are the main victims, harassment in the workplace and other forms of humiliation", he acknowledged.
Admitting that there is still "a lot to be done", he said he is aware that they are on the "right path".
"Although there is still much to be done, we are aware that we are on the right path and that our party has been the best example for Angolan society in respecting, valuing and promoting women," said the MPLA president.
In his speech, João Lourenço also spoke about the party's political agenda, pointing out that its implementation must serve "above all" the Nation and its citizens.
"We recently launched the party's political agenda for the current year, which must be implemented by all party bodies and organizations, by all leaders, cadres and activists of our party, not only to serve the interests of the party, but above all to serve the Nation and its citizens," he said.
"To this end, the party must work towards the same goal, that of serving the people, in a permanent concerted manner with the Executive and its deputies in the National Assembly, organized in the Parliamentary Group", he added.
The 50 years of national independence, which will be celebrated in November this year, were also not forgotten, and he said that the awarding of the medal commemorating the 50 years of the country's independence will begin next Friday, April 4, the day on which the Day of Peace and National Reconciliation is celebrated.
"On April 4, the Day of Peace and National Reconciliation, we will award the medal commemorating the 50th anniversary of national independence to a first group of national citizens who deserved such recognition, whose names are already being released," he said.
"Our party, the MPLA, due to its accumulated experience and increased responsibilities towards the country, the people and Angolan society, must always be at the forefront, always rising to the occasion of the great challenges that the country still has to face," he said.
"Therefore, after the successful holding of the party's VIII Extraordinary Congress in December 2024, we have just held the constitutive conferences of the party's bodies and organizations, within the framework of the country's new political-administrative division, which has three new provinces and 162 new municipalities, where we have to adapt the party's structures to the new reality, being a great challenge from a budgetary and organizational point of view, but at the same time a great opportunity to launch new cadres and leaders for the challenge of growing and consolidating the party and the country in these parts of our territory", he added.
