The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Social Solidarity signed in Praia da Vitória a partnership agreement with the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality (CIG) and the Association of Municipalities of the Azores (AMRAA) for the promotion of equality in the Region.
 
"The adoption of a tool to improve the coordination between all entities is absolutely relevant and necessary in order to provide greater impetus and extend the scope of the implementation of actions and measures aimed at the promotion of gender equality policies and opportunities in the Region," said Andreia Cardoso.
 
Speaking at the signing ceremony of the protocol, the Regional Secretary stressed that municipalities, due to their proximity to the population, are "the driving force of development" and, therefore, are "privileged entities insofar as they contribute to the implementation of measures for the promotion of equality."In this context, she also highlighted the importance of implementing strategies in this area as a sign that democracy is alive and well.
 
"The implementation of the strategy for gender integration in policies and actions promoted by local authorities not only contributes to the promotion of effective equality between women and men, but also to a better use of human and financial resources, better decision-making processes and better functioning of democracy," stressed the government official.
 
The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity expressed the Government's satisfaction for the establishment of this partnership, considering that it is "a fundamental aspect in the promotion and protection of human rights and a priority issue for the Government of the Azores."
 
The protocol signed today aims to establish a cooperative relation between signatory bodies to promote the adoption of Municipal Plans for Equality in all regional municipalities as well as to establish mechanisms of cooperation and partnership between the Government of the Azores and CIG in monitoring these plans.
 
The ceremony, held in Praia da Vitória City Hall, was attended by the President of the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality and the Vice-President of the Administration Board of AMRAA.