Impact of problem on people’s lives in region

There are major gender differences in Angolan culture. Men are looked upon as the only decision-makers and women are inferior to men. Only a third of women are literate, compared to 69% of men. Often women are paid less than men for the same jobs. As a result of the civil war, women have only gained some independence. During the war, women were forced to be a part of trading as an alternative source of income. Migration and the impact of deaths in the war caused there to be more women than men in Angola. Now, women provide most of the agricultural labor force. Households led by women face severe obstacles to food production without male labor to clear and plough land. Additionally, over half the population is unemployed so therefore hunger is a threat in many areas.

In addition, children are also a weak group in Angola. About 60% of the population is now under 18 years of age. There are large numbers of orphans and displaced and refugee children, many with disabilities, who are at risk of abuse or mistreatment.