Cape Verde Gender Equality: Labor Gaps and Political Barriers
Labor informality, a persistent glass ceiling in political leadership, and the ongoing fight against gender-based violence (GBV) remain the primary hurdles to gender equality in Cape Verde, according to a new government report.
Progress and Persistent Gaps
The findings are part of the 10th Periodic Report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). A Cape Verdean delegation, led by Adélsia Almeida, Minister of Family, Inclusion, Social Development, and Labor, will present the document this Friday in Geneva, Switzerland.
The report tracks the archipelago’s progress in meeting 24 specific recommendations issued by the committee in 2019. While the government celebrated significant legislative victories, it acknowledged that systemic issues continue to hinder the full participation of women in the economy and governance.
Legislative Wins for Working Families
Over the past four years, Cape Verde has introduced several landmark reforms aimed at bridging the social protection gap. Key achievements highlighted in the report include:
- Expanded Parental Leave: Maternity leave was extended from 60 to 90 days, and a 10-day paternity leave was introduced for public administration employees.
- Social Safety Nets: The government has strengthened social protection for domestic workers and expanded general social security coverage.
- Combating Violence: Significant strides were made in the judicial sector, including the criminalization of female genital mutilation, the reactivation of a dedicated support helpline (Linha Verde), and the approval of statutes for the Victim Support Fund.
The Political Glass Ceiling
Despite the passage of the 2019 Parity Law—which mandates that candidate lists for public office maintain at least 40% representation of each gender—women remain largely absent from top leadership roles. The report highlights a stark reality in local government: as of 2023, no woman had been directly elected as a mayor in the country’s 22 municipalities.
This trend largely continued into the 2024 municipal elections, where only one woman, Elisa Pinheiro of the PAICV party in Porto Novo, secured a mayoral seat. The government admitted that while representation on lists has improved, the transition to executive power remains a significant challenge.
A Commitment to Change
Looking forward, the Cape Verdean government stated it is committed to refining public policies to eliminate discrimination. The upcoming Geneva presentation serves as a benchmark for the nation as it seeks to move beyond legislative parity toward true social and economic equity.
Image: Pexels – Israel Torres
