20 February 2012 - The adoption of the National Gender Equity and Equality Policy by Guinea-Bissau is a challenge and the starting-point to make gender equality and equal opportunities for men and women a reality in the country, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNIOGBIS Joseph Mutaboba stated.

"The adoption of this policy shouldn't be seen as an end in itself but the starting-point towards making gender equality and women's human rights a reality. Turning it into concrete actions requires all Guinean men and women's mobilization and particularly the national authorities' commitment and willingness", Mutaboba stated while speaking today at the validation ceremony of the National Gender Policy.

In his statement Mutaboba recalled the World Bank report issued in September 2011 which stresses that "gender based development increases productivity, turns economy more intelligent, improves development results for next generations and makes institutions more efficient". "This means empower and dignify women as economical, political and social actors".

The Special Representative recalled that the correct implementation of the National Gender Policie's and action plans was a success in many African countries and expects that Guinea-Bissau will follow the implementation process, "starting with the revision of the State budget in order to affect more resources to implement this policy."

Finally, he ensured the United Nations support to the country's efforts for peace and development, "particularly to the implementation of the gender equality policy to help the country reduce social inequality and promote the respect for women's human rights".

Guinea-Bissau's Minister for Women, Family, Social Cohesion and Fight against Poverty, Valentina Mendes Djalo, confirmed the Government's commitment to implement the Policy and called on partners support.

The validated National Gender Equity and Equality Policy should be approved by the Council of Ministers very soon.