The head of the Angolan Parliament pointed out that women in all continents and countries have a voice that must be heard, in favor of peace, ending conflicts and increasing war.
He insisted that women parliamentarians have an important role in joint action in favor of peace and justice, a binomial that he considers inseparable, and emphasized the vulnerability of women in situations of armed conflict.
He showed what happened in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where women and children are the main victims of all violence; He also discussed the war in Ukraine and the recent escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, which has led to a humanitarian tragedy, he said.
There must be a common voice to oppose the war, emphasized Cerqueira, who also spoke about the need to change the legal systems of countries, so that they truly protect the rights of all equally.
Our constitutions must say no to discrimination against women, so that they have guaranteed opportunities and rights, so that they have social and economic justice, equal work, and equal pay, he emphasized.
He said that in Angola the Law against domestic violence started 30 years ago and the representatives agreed that it should be changed to end this scourge, which affects them and also the children.
He commented that the Angolan Parliament has the representation of women at 38.8 percent and work is being done to try to achieve parity in the coming years.
He recalled that three women headed the working committees and not just any committee, but Defense and Security, Economy and Finance, and Social Action and Children.
Cerqueira called for the unity of parliamentarians and appreciated that the role of the presence of women in the general assembly of the Interparliamentary Union could be the basis for better results.
We must leave here with a strong voice so that our parliamentary action can gain strength in the fight against climate change, achieving sustainable development, fighting the energy crisis, and against food insecurity.
