"We started with one and today we're with four and we're not going to stop there. If you work well, that will encourage us to appoint other ladies', the President of the Republic will have said. However, this nomination system has been the subject of criticism.
In the eyes of Marlene Messele, a sociologist and university professor, this statement does not "fit" well. In statements to DW, sociology considers that "African women, particularly Angolan women, have fought and continue to fight to show their skills" and that they rarely "leave public office because of deviant behaviour".
Since taking office, the head of state has made some changes in government, appointing women to leading positions. This is the case of Sílvia Lutucuta, Minister of Health, of Vera Daves, who leads the Finance portfolio, of Luísa Grillo, responsible for Education, of Adjany Costa who leads the Super-Ministry of Culture, Environment and Tourism, among others.
The most recent change was in the provincial governments: João Lourenço swore in Joana Lina as governor of Luanda and Lotti Nolika as governor of Huambo.
Although she applauds the inclusion of two more governors, Marlene Messele admits that these changes are not enough and more women are needed in the Executive.
"Today women contribute significantly to the productive activity of society," she stresses.
Data from the Group of Women Parliamentarians reveals that until 2018, only 40 per cent of parliament was composed of women.
