Angolan parliament speaker Adão de Almeida has emphasized the need for greater female participation in peace processes in the Great Lakes region. Speaking at the Conference of Women Parliamentarians of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region in Tanzania on November 2, Almeida highlighted Angola's experience in overcoming armed conflict and reiterated the country's commitment to promoting dialogue and seeking lasting solutions to conflicts.
Almeida stressed that sustainable peace requires the involvement of directly affected populations, strengthened trust among states, and effective participation of women in decision-making mechanisms. He expressed concern over ongoing armed conflicts, forced displacement, and exploitation of natural resources, which continue to affect the region. These issues have severe humanitarian consequences, particularly for women and children.
The persistence of these problems demands concerted responses based on dialogue, diplomacy, and lasting political solutions. Almeida urged increased regional efforts to resolve conflicts, creating conditions favorable to stability, security, and population development. He noted that women are often primary victims of instability, facing forced displacement, family separation, and increased risks of violence and exploitation.
However, Almeida also emphasized the crucial role women play in peacebuilding, highlighting their contributions to community responses, population assistance, human rights defense, and dialogue promotion. He argued that women's capacity for intervention should translate into effective presence in decision-making spaces, including peace negotiations and regional and international security institutions.
Almeida considered it essential to ensure women's participation in defining public policies that address community needs and prevent new conflicts. Women's involvement should go beyond symbolic recognition, providing concrete opportunities for leadership and intervention in political and diplomatic processes. The Conference of Women Parliamentarians of the CIRGL aims to promote women's participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
As the current president of the FP-CIRGL, Almeida's statements underscore the importance of women's engagement in regional peace efforts. The Great Lakes region has faced numerous challenges, including armed conflicts, displacement, and human rights abuses. Almeida's call for increased female participation in peace processes reflects a broader recognition of women's roles in promoting lasting peace and stability.
The Conference of Women Parliamentarians of the CIRGL provides a platform for women leaders to discuss their roles in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Almeida's advocacy for women's participation in peace processes aligns with efforts to promote gender equality and empower women in decision-making positions.
Key points
- Adão de Almeida emphasizes the need for greater female participation in peace processes in the Great Lakes region.
- Women's involvement in peacebuilding is crucial for sustainable peace and stability in the region.
- Almeida highlights Angola's experience in overcoming armed conflict and promoting dialogue.
