Angolan Women in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence.
The view of 4 young people on the challenges of gender-based violence in Angola.
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Statistics show that almost 34% of women have been survivors of violence throughout their lives. This reality, harsh and often invisible, is the backdrop for the 16 days of activism, a global campaign that, taking place between November 25 and December 10, becomes an essential tool in the fight against gender-based violence and in defense of children's rights.
Violence against women, girls, and children in Angola is alarming. Many adolescent girls and mothers are survivors of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, perpetrated both within the family and in society at large. For girl mothers, the situation is even more challenging. These young women, often marginalized, face early responsibilities, social and economic exclusion, and, in many cases, a profound lack of psychological and institutional support.
Violence against the mother does not only affect the direct survivor, but it has also had significant repercussions for the sons and daughters, influencing their behavioral and emotional development.
For Lúcia David, a social activist, situations like this generate trauma, aggressiveness, inferiority complexes, and relationship difficulties. Sharing her experience, Lúcia reveals that she grew up in a violent environment, where she had to take on early responsibilities, but found in her studies the strength to change her reality.
When asked what can be done to protect surviving mothers from gender violence, Lúcia suggested the creation of school and religious social support groups, as well as the promotion of dialogue in families.
Marcela Mateus, a law student, and member of the feminist collective Unidas Somos Mais Fortes, argues that "we must first work on society's conception of gender violence. In the most peripheral communities, where the problem is more common, it is still seen as something natural in interpersonal relationships. That's where the big problem lies."
For the activist, it is essential to change mentalities but also to strengthen public policies and institutional support:
"Many women cannot get out of this cycle because they often have nowhere to turn. Although shelters exist, they are little known and public policies are not yet cohesive. It is necessary to dismantle the structures that encourage this violence and create effective public policies, “She adds.
On the other hand, Isabel Major, information analyst and advisor to the SMS Jovem platform, considers that the most important action to support a survivor of violence is to listen carefully and believe in her story. It is essential to ensure that she does not carry the feeling of guilt and help her feel welcomed. "We must show empathy and offer nonjudgmental support, encouraging her to seek help from specialized people or organizations."
For Isabel, the most important thing is to give strength to the survivor, and help her regain confidence, security, and a sense of appreciation.
The Role of Parents was highlighted by the young counselor as being a fundamental aspect in the formation of young people aware and in the fight against gender violence because "the lack of time to dialogue can lead boys to adopt deviant behaviors due to lack of guidance or positive examples." Said.
Parents should teach the value of respect and equality from an early age, showing that violence is never a solution: "Taking moments to talk about emotions and help children deal with anger or frustrations in a healthy way makes all the difference. The example set by parents at home, through fair and respectful attitudes, is an essential model for children to learn to treat others with dignity and respect," Isabel advised.
In turn, Edna Cazengue, advisor to the SMS Jovem platform, believes that young people are agents of change and should join the fight against gender-based violence:
"When young people talk about this topic and show correct attitudes, they influence the people around them to do the same, in this way they help not only to combat gender-based violence, but also to fight gender-based violence. but they also contribute to a more egalitarian and humane society.
More than numbers and statistics, the 16 days of activism are about stories of courage and resilience. This movement demonstrates that collective action can transform lives and communities. Empowering women and creating support networks are important steps to breaking the cycle of violence.
In Angola, the message is clear: protecting the rights of women and girls is not only a social responsibility, but an urgent necessity. Each voice that joins this cause contributes to building a future where gender-based violence is a reminder of the past and not a reality of the present.
As part of the 16 Days of Activism, UNICEF ran campaigns to raise awareness in Angolan society about the urgency of combating gender-based violence. Three videos stand out among the initiatives promoted, aiming to inform and mobilize the population.
The videos included testimonials and messages from anonymous citizens and well-known public figures such as television presenters and digital influencers, who joined the cause to expand the message of equality and respect. the videos were released on UNICEF's social networks and on the country's main communication channels, including Public Television of Angola (TPA) and TV Zimbo, reinforcing the commitment to promote behavior change and create a culture of zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
