Angola

After gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, Angola erupted in a civil war that gripped the country until 2002. During these 27 years of conflict, up to 1.5 million lives were lost, and 4 million people were displaced.

In partnership with the Angolan government, USAID is launching a comprehensive prevention program to promote safer sexual behaviors in order to reduce new HIV infections. The initiative will focus on detrimental cultural and gender norms that contribute to the HIV epidemic, paying particular attention to gender-based violence.

In Angola, EngenderHealth's RESPOND Project is working with government ministries and other partners to conduct a nationwide gender assessment.  The assessment is identifying current systems, laws, and structures in place to support victims of gender-based violence, particularly within the Angolan Police and Health services. It focuses on identifying and assessing:

• Ways of responding to gender-based violence in the public sector, with a focus on policy and legislation, response and referral systems, and police officers' and medical providers' ability to implement necessary programs
• Barriers within the public sector to ensuring the men and women can exercise their basic human rights and receive equal protection from the Angolan legal system

After completing the gender assessment, EngenderHealth will provide recommendations for ways to improve systems of response and protection for victims of gender-based violence.  This will include raising awareness about current legislation, helping develop and implement capacity building activities within government agencies, and supporting new protective legislation.