According to a report by The Borgen Project, the gender pay gap continues to be a challenge for Cape Verde

Despite the progress made in recent decades in women’s participation in the labor market, Cape Verdean women continue to face significant wage inequality and greater difficulties in accessing stable, well-paid jobs. A report released by The Borgen Project highlights that, although the Government of Cape Verde has implemented important reforms to promote gender equality, structural challenges linked to cultural factors, family responsibilities, and limited employment opportunities persist.

Currently, the labor force participation rate for women stands at approximately 50.5%, representing an increase of nearly 10% since the 1990s. Even so, the figure remains below the male participation rate, which is around 62.4%, meaning that nearly half of women of working age remain outside the labor market.

Even among those who work, the reality remains unequal. According to World Bank data cited in the report, 44.7% of women hold jobs considered vulnerable, characterized by informal employment arrangements, less social protection, and greater instability. Among men, this percentage is 26.1%.

The tourism sector, one of the main drivers of the Cape Verdean economy and responsible for about 25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), exemplifies this contrast. Women account for approximately 60% of the workforce in this industry, but earn, on average, 50% less than men. In addition, many hold temporary positions or short-term contracts, which reduce their financial stability and opportunities for career advancement.

Another factor influencing the wage gap is the burden of family responsibilities. The study reveals that 93% of women who are outside the labor market cite caring for their families as the main reason for not engaging in paid work, a reality that is particularly evident in rural areas.

Early marriage also continues to have an impact. Data from UN Women indicate that 8.4% of women between the ages of 20 and 24 were married before the age of 18, a situation that often interrupts their education and limits their access to professional qualifications.

In recent years, Cape Verde has sought to address these challenges through various public policies. The Parity Law, passed in 2019, established a minimum representation of 40% for each gender on electoral ballots, thereby strengthening women’s participation in political life and decision-making.

In 2023, UN Women, in partnership with the Cape Verdean Institute for Gender Equality and Equity, launched the Action Plan for Integrating a Gender Perspective into Tourism, which includes training, capacity-building, and mentoring programs to encourage women’s participation in sectors traditionally dominated by men.

One of the highlighted examples is that of Katia Tavares, a beneficiary of a government vocational training program. After taking several courses, she decided to pursue a career as a plumber, leaving behind the informal sale of clothing in search of better earnings and greater financial stability.

More recently, in 2024, the Ministry of Finance implemented the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions, accompanied by the creation of a commission to monitor the implementation of equality policies in the workplace. Among the initiative’s objectives are the prevention of workplace harassment, the fight against gender-based violence, and the promotion of more inclusive work environments.

Although the indicators show significant progress, the report concludes that there is still a long way to go to eliminate the gender pay gap in Cape Verde. A combination of legislative reforms, vocational training, labor protections, and changing social norms will be crucial to ensuring that economic opportunities are truly equal for all.