The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated in Ponta Delgada that the equality of circumstances between men and women in the labour market contributes to safer communities and to the reduction of poverty.
 
"The Government of the Azores is convinced that, if girls and women have the security they need, they will have the conditions for more active participation in society. Communities will be safer, poverty will decrease, development opportunities will expand and entire families will benefit," said Andreia Cardoso.
 
The Regional Secretary spoke at the opening session of the Regional Meeting "The Valuation and Promotion of Gender Equality in the Labour Market," promoted by the Association - Centre for Solidarity Economy Studies of the Atlantic (ACEESA). The event was also attended by the Secretary of State for Citizenship and Equality, Catarina Marcelino.
 
In her speech, Andreia Cardoso stressed that "social processes should be inclusive and accessible to all in law and in practice." She stressed that "the ultimate goal should be the creation of an enabling environment for both women and men that is conducive to the achievement of full potential and human rights."
 
Currently, the Azorean Government has two projects in this area, designated as "+ TEMPO + VIDA" and "Equality and Development." Besides promoting good practices in reconciling work and family life and disseminating the indicators that allow companies to analyse their practices, these projects also aim to establish cooperation mechanisms and partnerships between different partners with a view to reviewing, updating and monitoring Municipal Plans for Equality.
 
Last year, the Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Social Solidarity, formalised a collaboration protocol with the Association of Municipalities of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality to promote the adoption of Municipal Plans for Equality in all regional municipalities. Currently, nine protocols were established and implemented on five islands of the archipelago.
 
In this context, it is also worth mentioning the existence of the Regional Commission for Labour and Employment Equality, in office since 2011, whose mission is to promote equality and non-discrimination between men and women in labour and vocational training as well as in the protection of parenthood (maternity and paternity) and in the reconciliation of professional activity with family and private life.
 
"Our commitment to changing the current state of affairs is indisputable, as is the need to continue promoting and valuing gender equality in the labour market," said Andreia Cardoso.