What meaning do you attach to International Women's Day?

To me, International Woman's Day is a day when the whole world recognizes and celebrates the rights of women. It is a day when we, the women, commemorate the fact that we have been granted our rights of equality. It is an important day because there were women who were killed in the fight for our rights.

How is International Woman's Day celebrated at SOS Children's Village Bata?

We usually celebrate the day twice. First, we take part in activities organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of the Promotion of Women. During the week, we are invited to roundtables and exhibitions of craftwork done by women. On March 8, the actual day, we start with a thanksgiving service. Then, we participate in entertaining and educational activities. For example, last year we had theatrical performances and skits on the role of women in society and the importance of the SOS Mother in an SOS Children's Village. The SOS Mothers sang and danced before signing a manifesto which was presented to them by the girls of the Village. We invited the local authorities, our friends, the children's biological parents and our various partners. The event was covered by a radio and television station.

How do you describe Equatoguinean women?

I would describe Equatoguinean women as free and independent because they are now able to choose what they want in life. Women are no longer oppressed here. Many of them went to school, received diplomas and occupy important positions, such as ministers, general managers, and even the vice-presidency of the national assembly. It is important to recognize the enormous progress that has been made to improve the situation of women in our country, but a lot still needs to be done. The subordination of women is not a fact of oppression any more, but the result of education. Today, women work in almost all sectors, although a majority, especially older women, is confined to being a saleswoman in the markets of big cities, such as Bata and Malabo. In rural areas, the situation for women is dismal - they limit their work to just child care and agriculture.

In general, what problems do Equatoguinean woman face? What about SOS Mothers?

The Equatoguinean women in rural areas have to face the burden of tending to the family because they are in charge of educating the children. In urban areas, women suffer from unemployment and poverty. Those who have small jobs are paid very badly. Those not qualified represent the cheap workforce.

In regards to SOS Mothers, their problems are not very different from those other women have. I spoke about the burden of tending to the family, which SOS Mothers also face. Our families are usually made up of eight to ten children, which is a bit much. Most people say that it is better to have fewer children in one's care to better support each child. It’s pretty difficult to take care of so many children at once!

What is your message to women?

I wish that Equatoguinean women become responsible women who are completely able to take care of themselves and who can fully play their role in society as mothers, sisters and spouses.