Purificación Angue Ondo
Purificación Angue Ondo (born April 30, 1945) is a diplomat and former Minister of Women’s and Children’s Affairs from Equatorial Guinea. She has served as an ambassador to several countries, including Cameroon, Chad, the United States, and Spain. Dedicating her life to defending the rights of women and children, she has made a significant impact in policymaking and gender equality advocacy. She has had a "pivotal role in promoting the status of women within and beyond the frontiers of her country".[1] [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] [11][12] [13][14] [15] [16]
Early Life and Education
[edit]Purificación Angue Ondo was born on April 30, 1945, in Mongomo. She graduated as a State Certified Teacher from the Spanish Government in 1964, when Equatorial Guinea was still a Spanish province. Her early dedication to education laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to women’s and children’s rights. [1] [2]
Political Persecution and Exile
[edit]Following Equatorial Guinea’s independence in 1968, Angue Ondo experienced intense political persecution under President Francisco Macías Nguema’s regime. Because of her education in prestigious institutions, her advocacy for women’s emancipation, and her relationships with people of European descent, she became a target of systemic discrimination. She was repeatedly imprisoned for her status as an educated, independent woman, rather than for any criminal act.[4] [2]
In 1973, she fled to Gabon to escape further persecution and lived in exile until 1980. During her time in Gabon, she taught Spanish at the Collège d'Enseignement Secondaire in Angone-Oyem.[4] [2]
With the regime change on August 3, 1979, she returned to Equatorial Guinea and began working at the Ministry of Education before entering the political arena. [1] [2]
Political Career
[edit]From 1981 to 1992, Angue Ondo held significant roles in the government, including Vice Minister and later Minister for Women’s and Children’s Affairs. Her focus was on promoting labor rights and gender equality, establishing policies that improved the welfare of women and children. [1] [2][14]
In 1990, she founded ABIFAGE, the Asociación de Bienestar Familiar de Guinea Ecuatorial, a non-governmental organization that supports family welfare. She collaborated with a Japanese NGO to establish schools in underserved areas, emphasizing education and community development.[4] [1]
Diplomatic Career
[edit]Ambassador to Cameroon and Chad (2000–2005)
[edit]Angue Ondo served as the Ambassador to Cameroon and Chad, where she built strong diplomatic and cultural relationships. [1][5] [16]
Ambassador to the United States, Mexico, and Panama (2006–2012)
[edit]From 2006 to 2012, she served as Ambassador to the United States, with additional accreditation to Mexico and Panama. In Washington DC, she collaborated with Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, promoting the interests of Equatorial Guinea and earning recognition for her diplomatic achievements. [1] [3][9][10]
Ambassador to Spain (2012–2021)
[edit]In 2012, she became the first woman to be appointed as Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Spain. She presented her credentials to King Juan Carlos I on September 24, 2013, and later worked with King Felipe VI to strengthen bilateral relations[6].[4] [7][8] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15]
Battle with Breast Cancer
[edit]While serving as Ambassador to Cameroon and Chad, Angue Ondo was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. She underwent surgery and received extensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments in Madrid. Her strength and resilience during this difficult period are a testament to her commitment to her health and her ongoing advocacy for cancer awareness. She remains in contact with her medical team, Dr. José Luis Letamendia and Dr. Isabel de la Gándara, and follows their recommendations to maintain her health. [7]
Awards and Recognitions
[edit]• United Nations Population Award (1984):
[edit]Awarded by the United Nations Population Award (UNPFA) for her contributions to women’s rights and family welfare.[4] [1]
• Recognition from the Don Quixote Knights Brotherhood (2014):
[edit]Honored as “Dame of the Honorable International Brotherhood of the Knights of Don Quixote” by the César Egido Serrano Foundation. [7]
• Feature in Diplomacia Siglo XXI (2014):
[edit]Her diplomatic accomplishments were featured on the cover of Diplomacia Siglo XXI, a publication by the Spanish School of Diplomacy.[5]
• Asturias Mundial Recognition:
[edit]Asturias Mundial highlighted her career as the first woman to be appointed as Ambassador to Spain, recognizing her role in promoting gender equality and diplomatic excellence.[4]
Legacy and Influence
[edit]Purificación Angue Ondo’s dedication to women’s rights, education, and diplomacy has left an enduring legacy. Her work in establishing ABIFAGE and advocating for gender equality has inspired many, and her resilience in overcoming political and personal challenges continues to motivate future generations. She is regarded as a symbol of perseverance and leadership in Equatorial Guinea and beyond. She remains a symbol of resilience and dedication, inspiring future generations to continue the work she began and is still recognized and honored by various communities and organizations for her contributions to social and diplomatic progress. Her influence remains significant, serving as a testament to her lifelong commitment to service and empowerment. [1] [2] [6] [7][15]
Personal Life
[edit]Angue Ondo is a mother of six and has an extensive family, including dozens of grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren spread across Chile, the United States, France, Switzerland, Spain, Ukraine, Australia, and Equatorial Guinea. She currently resides in Madrid, where she stays connected with her medical team and continues to inspire her family and community.[1] [2][7]
References
[edit]1.“The role of women.”
[edit]The Worldfolio, September 19, 2012. Available at: www.The Worldfolio.com/USnews/purificacion/angue
2. “Purificación Angue Ondo.”
[edit]El País, May 28, 1985. Available at: www. El Pais.com/diario/1985/05/28/
3. “Purificación Angue Ondo, New Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea in Spain.”
[edit]Asturias Mundial, August 5, 2013. Available at: www.Asturias Mundial.com
4. “Presentation of Credentials to King Juan Carlos I at La Zarzuela Palace, Madrid”
[edit]Casa Real, September 24, 2013. Available at: www.Casa Real.es
5. “Honoring Purificación Angue Ondo, Named Dame of the Brotherhood of Knights of Don Quijote”
[edit]Cofradía de Don Quijote, June 2014. Available at: https://www.cofradiadedonquijote.com
6. “The Ambassador Purificación Angue Ondo at the Premiere of Los últimos de Filipinas”
[edit]PDGE Guinea Ecuatorial, November 30, 2016. Available at: www.pdge-guineaecuatorial.com
7. DIPLOMACIA SIGLO XXI, Cover Feature, 2014.
[edit]Available at: ISSU Host Diplomacia Siglo XXI
8. "Equatorial Guinea to Host Welcome Reception for New U.S. Ambassador"
[edit]PR Newswire, August 03, 2012. Available at: www.PR Newswire.com/news-
9. "Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in Washington"
[edit]Embassies Worldwide. Available at: www.123embassy.com/Embassy/17743/Equatorial-Guinea-in-Washington
10. "Equatorial Guinea"
[edit]U.S. Department of State, January 1, 2012. Available at: 2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/equatorialguinea/
11. "Women in the 22nd Century Conference"
[edit]La Razón, April 6, 2020, Available at: www.La Razon.es/lifestyle/20200406/
12. "Majadahona signs a socio-sanitary collaboration agreement with the city of Bata"
[edit]Capital Noreste. Available at: www.Capital Noroeste.es/portaditas/bata-acuerdo-majadahonda/
13. "Guinea and Cameroon, interested in the management of Aguas de Valencia"
[edit]La Razón, July 8, 2013. Available at: www.Lar Rzon.es/local/
14. "The future of Africa has a woman's name"
[edit]El Mundo, August 15, 2014. Available at: www.El Mundo.es/2014/08/15/
15. "Ambassadors with a lot of tact"
[edit]El Mundo, January 2, 2016. Available at: www.El Mundo.es/2016/01/02/
16. "Embassy of Equatorial Guniea in Yaounde"
[edit]Ambassades et Consulats à travers le monde. Available at:/www.Ambassade/18624/Guinee-Equatoriale-a-Yaounde
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "The role of women". The WorldFolio. September 19, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Fernández Pallares, Pilar (May 28, 1985). "Purificación Angue Ondo" [Purificación Angue Ondo, Head of the Women's Promotion Agency of Equatorial Guinea invites Spanish women to get to know Equatoguinean women]. EL PAíS (in Spanish).
- ^ a b "Equatorial Guinea to Host Welcome Reception for New U.S. Ambassador". PR Newswire. August 3, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Purificación Angue Ondo, New Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea in Spain". www.Asturias Mundial.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ a b c Velo de Antelo, Director Santiago (May 2018). "Purificación Angue Ondo, Embajadora de Guinea Ecuatorial, país clave para entender el concepto universal de la Hispanidad" [Purificación Angue Ondo, Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea, a key country for understanding the universal concept of the Hispanic Heritage]. Diplomacia Siglo XXI (in Spanish). No. 110. ISSUU (published June 6, 2018). pp. 10–22.
- ^ a b c Palacio La Zarzuela Madrid, © Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos (September 24, 2013). "Presentation of Credentials". www.Casa Real.es.
- ^ a b c d e Javier, Hernandez (June 19, 2014). "Reconocimiento a Purificación Ondo Angue, Embajadora de Guinea Ecuatorial en España, nombrada Dama de la Cofradia" [Honoring Purificación Angue Ondo, Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Spain, named Dame of the Brotherhood]. Oficina de Información y Prensa de Guinea Ecuatorial. Muy Honorable Cofradia Internacional de Caballeros de Don Quijote - Very Honorable International Brotherhood of the Knights of Don Quijote.
- ^ a b "La Embajadora Purificación Angue en el estreno de "Los últimos de Filipinas" en Madrid" [The Ambassador Purificación Angue Ondo at the Premiere of "Los últimos de Filipinas" in Madrid]. www.PDGE Guinea Ecuatorial.com (in Spanish). November 30, 2016.
- ^ a b "Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in Washington". Embassies Worldwide. 2008.
- ^ a b "Equatorial Guinea". U.S. Department of State. January 1, 2012.
- ^ a b Zhiyan, Nasrin (April 6, 2020). "Mujeres en el siglo XXI" [Women in the 22nd Century]. La Razón (in Spanish).
- ^ a b "Majadahonda firma un acuerdo de colaboración socio-sanitario con la ciudad de Bata" [Majadahonda Signs a socio-sanitary collaboration agreement with the city of Bata]. Capital Noreste (in Spanish). May 23, 2019.
- ^ a b "Guinea y Camerún, interesadas en la gestión de Aguas de Valencia" [Guinea and Cameroon, interested in the management of Aguas de Valencia]. La Razón (in Spanish). July 8, 2013.
- ^ a b c González Manso, Teresa (August 15, 2014). "El futuro de África tiene nombre de mujer" [The future of Africa has a Woman's name]. El Mundo (in Spanish).
- ^ a b c González Manso, Teresa (January 2, 2016). "Embajadoras con mucha mano izquierda" [Ambassadors with a lot of tact]. El Mundo (in Spanish).
- ^ a b "l'Ambassade du Guinee Equatoriale à Yaounde" [Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in Yaounde]. Ambassades à travers le monde (in French). 2000.