List of abbreviations

ADEI	Agency for Entrepreneurial Development and Innovation
AIDI	Integrated Attention to Child Illnesses
AIDS	Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
APIMUD	Association for the Promotion and Inclusion of Women with Disabilities
ARC	Social Communication Regulatory Authority
ARV	Antiretroviral
CCD	Common Core Document
CCS-SIDA	Committee for the Coordination of the Combat Against AIDS
CEDAW	Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
CIGEF	Research and Training Centre in Gender and Family
CNDHC	National Commission on Human Rights and Citizenship
CPLP	Community of Portuguese Language Countries
CRP	Regional Committees of Partners
CSO	Civil Society Organization
CVE	Cape Verdean Escudos
DGAPE	General Directorate for Support to Electoral Processes
ECA	Statute of the Child and Adolescent
EHTCV	School of Hotel and Tourism Management
EIO	Information and Orientation Clubs
FGM	Female Genital Mutilation
GBV	Gender Based Violence
HIV	Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HT	Human Trafficking
ICCA	Cape Verdean Institute of the Child and Adolescent
ICIEG	Cape Verdean Institute for Gender Equality and Equity
ICT	Information and Communication Technologies
IEC	Information, Education and Communication
IEFP	Institute of Employment and Vocational Training
INE	National Institute of Statistics
LGBTi	Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Persons
MDG	Millennium Development Goals
MFIS	Ministry of Family and Social Inclusion
MoE	Ministry of Education
MoH	Ministry of Health and Social Security
MORABI	Association to Support the Auto-promotion of Women in Development
NGO	Non-Governmental Organization
NPCSVCA	National Plan to Combat Sexual Violence against Children and Adolescents
OMCV	Organization of Cabo Verde’s Women
PEDS	Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development
PGA	Access to Income, Education, Care and Health Program
PISI	Project for the Social Integration of Immigrants
PMTCT	Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission
PNIG	National Gender Equality Plan
PNVBG	National Plan to Combat Gender Based Violence
RMPCV	Network of Women Parliamentarians of Cabo Verde
SDG	Sustainable Development Goals
SEN	Special Educational Needs
SIGO	Integrated Operational Management System
SRH	Sexual and Reproductive Health
STI	Sexually Transmitted Infections
SW	Sex Workers
UN	United Nations
UN Women	United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
UniCV	University of Cabo Verde
UNODC	United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
USD	American Dollar
VERDEFAM	Cape Verdean Association for the Protection of Family

Introduction

1.The present report corresponds to the 9th Periodic Report of the Republic of Cabo Verde to the CEDAW Committee, covering a 4-year period, from June 2013 to July 2017, and consists of two parts: a Common Core Document (CCD) and the present specific document relative to the CEDAW, submitted separate documents, both prepared in accordance with the harmonized reporting guidelines (HRI/GEN/2/Rev.6).

2.The preparation of the specific CEDAW report was coordinated by the Cape Verdean Institute for Gender Equality and Equity (ICIEG), in partnership with the National Commission on Human Rights and Citizenship (CNDHC). A Monitoring Committee was established for the purpose, composed of representatives from the ICIEG, CNDHC, the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Ministry of Family and Social Inclusion (MFIS) and UN Women. The Monitoring Committee engaged Ministries and civil society organizations (CSO) through an initial workshop and throughout the data collection process. The report’s preliminary version was shared with all stakeholders and a workshop conducted 11th September and inputs reflected into the present document.

3.The report consists in 3 parts: Part I presents detailed information on the measures taken by Cabo Verde in response to recommendations received from the CEDAW Committee; Part II presents information on the results achieved in implementing CEDAW’s substantive articles, organized according to the Convention’s structure, when other progress exists, in addition to progress reported in Part I; Part III focuses on the revision processes of outcomes of United Nations conferences and summits.

I.Implementation of recommendations

Recommendation 1: Parliament

4.Cabo Verde’s Parliament has strengthened its legislative and oversight role. In 2013, the Network of Women Parliamentarians of Cabo Verde (RMPCV) conducted a field mission to monitor the implementation of the GBV Special Act (GBV Law), to all of the country’s municipalities; the key constraints identified were discussed with institutions that have responsibilities in the implementation of the GBV Law.

5.The RMPCV, in partnership with the ICIEG, has been active in analysing and monitoring public policies and budgets from a gender perspective and raising awareness among fellow parliamentarians. Women parliamentarians conducted a 1st gender analysis of the 2015 State Budget, which brought to light the fact that only a minority of budgetary programs explicitly address gender equality; also, that the funds allocated for the implementation of national gender equality plans (National Gender Equality Plan — PNIG, and the National Plan to combat GBV — PNVBG), were well below PNIG’s and PNVBG’s budgets. This analysis gave arguments for the RMPCV to influence the budget debate, both in plenary sessions and specialized committees and resulted in the reallocation of funds, internally within specific Ministries, for priority gender actions. A debate was also held within the Finance and Budget Committee and in the presence of the Minister of Finance, on the need to improve the gender objectives, results and indicators of programs and mainstream specific projects within each program for the implementation of sector specific gender priorities.

6.In March 2017 the RMPCV organized a training workshop on Gender Sensitive Budget Oversight, for men and women Parliamentarians, ICIEG staff and civil society leaders. A Letter of Commitment (Carta de Mindelo) was signed by participants at the end of the workshop, to monitor gender mainstreaming in the forthcoming Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development (PEDS) and State Budget. The Letter of Commitment, and the recommendations from the workshop were presented to the Minister of Finance and the MFIS, recommending the clear incorporation and identification of gender priorities in financial planning tools; that PEDS’ programs, projects and activities integrate measures to promote gender equality, across Ministries. An Agenda for the Gender Sensitive Oversight of the State Budget was prepared, covering all stages of the budgetary cycle.

7.The RMPCV has also been working at legislative level, especially on strengthening the legal framework for gender parity in decision making positions and political participation (reported under the recommendation on political participation).

Recommendation 2: Visibility of the Convention, the Optional Protocol and the Committee’s General Recommendations

8.The CCD presents actions implemented to disseminate and raise awareness on human rights (paragraph 192 and following), including on the CEDAW. The dissemination of the Convention among women, including rural women, has been ensured in close collaboration with CSO. The dissemination of the GBV Law is tied to Human Rights instruments, particularly the CEDAW.

9.As referred in the CCD (paragraph 165), human rights provisions, including CEDAW provisions, are being invoked in Courts and administrative departments. Awareness-raising activities implemented with judges and law implementers on the GBV Law (reported under the recommendation on violence against women) contribute to improve Courts’ knowledge of CEDAW provisions.

Recommendation 3: National human rights institution

10.On compliance of the CNDHC with Paris Principles please see CCD (paragraphs 182–191), as well as positive trend in CNDHC’s budget (paragraphs 208 and 209). The commissionaires of the CNDHC (representing governmental departments and CSO) include 16 women and 14 men.

11.CNDHC has clear and encompassing responsibilities in the protection and promotion of human rights, as per its statutes, including also the promotion of gender equality and women’s rights. The 2nd National Human Rights and Citizenship Plan (2017–2022), to be approved this year, includes a section gender equality, with special focus on women’s economic empowerment, the need for child support services adapted to the needs of women in the informal sector, the mobilization of men for gender equality, and the non-discrimination of pregnant school girls. It also highlights the need to address discrimination based on sexual orientation.

12.The CNDHC has implemented specific actions to promote gender equality, such as the high-profile campaign “Ami é Pai” (I am a father), to raise awareness among the general population and men on responsible paternity. The CNDHC collaborates in training organized by partners and schools, facilitating modules on women’s rights, sexual and reproductive rights, on sexual identity, gender and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (LGBTI).

13.The Ombudsman (paragraphs 169–173, CCD) counts on 12 staff - 8 women and 4 men, in addition to the Ombudsman, who is a man (3 women and 2 men in management positions, 5 women and 1 man in technical positions, 1 man and 1 woman as support staff). Between 2014 and 2016, the Ombudsman received 399 complaints, 29 per cent of which from women. The proportion of complaints submitted by women has progressively increased over time, from 18.6 per cent in 2014 to 37.3 per cent in 2016, indicating increased knowledge of this mechanism among women.

Recommendation 4: National machinery for the advancement of women

14.The new Government structure (Decree-law No. 37/2016, of 17 June) establishes the Ministry of Family and Social Inclusion (MFIS) as the governmental department responsible for the areas of childhood, elderly, persons with disabilities, fight against poverty and promotion of gender equality. Thus, for the first time, a Minister has responsibilities on gender equality, in addition to ICIEG’s oversight.

15.Since 2012, ICIEG counts on 9 professionals. Despite current limits to recruitments in public administration, a new position was created at the ICIEG, through Resolution No. 54/2017 (15 June), for the recruitment of an additional technical staff.

16.During the process of elaboration of the PNIG, in 2014, an Extended Technical Committee was established, composed of sector focal points and a representative of the National Association of Municipalities, among others (RMPCV and civil society). The whole PNIG elaboration process was well participated and included a self-assessment of sectors’ capacity for gender mainstreaming. Considering the mobility of staff within institutions, some sectors need to appoint new focal points.

17.The sectors that have most consolidated gender focal points are the ones that appointed representatives to the National Committee to Monitor the Implementation of the GBV Law, created in 2013. The appointed members were trained on gender equality, the GBV Law and the National Plan for its implementation (PNGBV). Nonetheless this Committee has not been formalized yet, a process recently relaunched through the MFIS, for its approval by the Cabinet.

18.Some programs have gender units (ex. the National Program to fight Poverty), while several Town Halls have, among their executive, councillors responsible for gender equality (or women’s issues), showing that gender equality is being progressive appropriated within the local power agenda.

19.Between 2012 and 2015 the funds allocated by the State Budget to the ICIEG increased gradually (from 15,848,939 CVE to 24,340,534 CVE), and decreased to 23,560,170 CVE in 2016, although a further 2,247,563 CVE was later provided for the implementation of the GBV Law. Nonetheless, its main funding source still is international funding. Between 2012 and 2016 55,948,048 CVE (566,750 USD) were mobilized from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and 54,552,481 CVE (552,613 USD) through UN Women’s Program in Cabo Verde. UNFPA, WHO and other UN Agencies also fund ICIEG’s projects, as well as the NEPAD, Spanish Cooperation, and occasional funding from other bilateral partners.

20.During the period under review, close collaboration between ICIEG and civil society was maintained, and was extended to new associations, as is the case with the Cape Verdean Association for the Promotion and Inclusion of Women with Disabilities (APIMUD), and the Association to Combat GBV (ALCGBV), both established in 2015. APIMUD (previously the Committee of Women with Disabilities, of the Cape Verdean Federation of Persons with Disabilities) has been involved in all gender equality planning initiates and meetings to monitor progresses, considering its key work in defending and promoting the rights of women with disabilities.

21.The ICIEG provides funding for CSO projects and facilitates their access to funding organizations. Nevertheless, the availability of funding is dependent on resource mobilization. In the case of APIMUD, ICIEG contributed, along with other partners, to furnishing the headquarters of this Association (July 2016). APIMUD receives a grant from the MFIS to support its functioning. Specific projects are also supported.

Recommendation 5: Temporary special measures

22.Cabo Verde has been making continuous efforts to analyse women’s situation in all spheres of life and to identify areas in which inequality persists. In some areas Cabo Verde is considering the implementation of temporary special measures, as is the case with: women’s participation in decision making, particularly in politics (section on Participation in political and public life); the economic empowerment of women, through policy and program directives, especially for poverty reduction and the promotion of economic opportunities (section on employment, rural women and disadvantaged groups of women).

23.The temporary special measures taken in respect to persons with disabilities, including women with disabilities, are described in several sections of the report.

Recommendation 6: Stereotypes and harmful practices

Comprehensive strategy to eliminate stereotypes and harmful practices

24.The GBV Special Law foresees the elaboration and implementation of a prevention and awareness raising Plan. This was operationalized end of 2014, through the 2nd PNVBG, which has a strategic pillar on information, awareness raising and data production, containing measures to promote gender equality and a culture of non-violence; address discriminating cultural and social norms, and deconstruct sexist stereotypes that legitimate inequality and GBV, including female genital mutilation (FGM). Both Education and Media are considered key sectors/actors by the Plan, as well as CSO and men and boys, as key motors for behavioural and attitudinal change. The Plan considers several forms of violence that had not yet been addressed in an integrated way, including FGM.

Education system

25.ICIEG, in partnership with the MoE, implemented the project Equality Promoting Schools, involving schools from the islands of Fogo, Sal and urban Praia (with higher GBV statistics). The Project trained 257 teachers, who subsequently prepared and implemented 24 Action Plans to promote gender equality and combat GBV, through activities in classrooms, school and school communities. The project developed several campaign materials, including 3 TV spots.

26.The recently developed Strategic Plan for Education (2017–2021) includes gender equality cross-cuttingly: the Plan commits to the implementation of strategies and institutional practices that are adequate to the specific needs of boys and girls and gender equality is part of all programs and planning, budgeting and monitoring processes. The MoE is already working on the revision of curricula of basic and secondary education, to integrate gender equality in all subjects.

Media

27.In 2014, 67 journalists were trained and a Manual on Journalistic Good Practices to Combat GBV was published, to promote gender equality in media practices. Participants in the training established a virtual group (Voices) to further debate the way to implement gender sensitive journalism.

28.Social communication is required to abstain from discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation or disabilities, among others, while declarations found to incite to hatred are liable for criminal sanctions (Law 70/VII/2010, Law 71/VII/2010, Law 73/VII/2010, published 16 August, and Law No. 90/VIII/2015, published 4 July). The Social Communication Regulatory Authority (ARC), established in 2011 (paragraph 205 of CCD), in its 2016 annual report analyses the diversity and plurality of information produced by public media, which showed both women and men as key players in news, although men predominate (68 per cent of news analysed have men as key players). ARC is conducting a study on the portrayal of GBV in public radio and TV networks, due to be presented end of 2017.

Local initiatives and civil society initiatives

29.In terms of awareness raising and social mobilization, in 2014 a total of 14 trainings on Gender and GBV were conducted in all islands, with local associations, community leaders, local level public servants (education, health, etc.) (321 participants), creating an enabling environment for the implementation of the GBV Law at local level. The support manual for the Community dissemination of the GBV Law was developed and disseminated, with particle guidance for CSOs.

30.CSO have had a prominent role in awareness raising, dissemination of the GBV Law and GBV free information and help line, working directly with families, school and kindergartens, and addressing all forms of GBV, including sexual harassment.

31.The Laço Branco Network (Cape Verdean White Ribbon campaign has worked with men in communities, through theatre sessions: all forms of GBV are addressed as well as notions of masculinity/femininity, responsible fatherhood, among others. Between 2013 and 2015 theatre sessions mobilized 776 men and youth and a radio program was developed — Mi ki ta desidi (“I decide”). Other initiatives to mobilize men are: the campaign He for She, launched in 2015 in Cabo Verde, under the leadership of the President, and mobilizing over 5,000 men and boys in less than a year; civil society’s campaign Homem que é Homem, (a man that is a Man does not…) endorsed by well-known personalities, such as the Prime-minister and Town Hall Presidents, among others.

32.The Association to combat GBV organized in March 2017 a Forum on sexual harassment in the work place: participants included justice professionals (judges, attorneys and lawyers), unions, Labour General Directorate. Recommendations were issued for more effective action in respect to this form of violence.

33.Simultaneously, in support of awareness-raising, several campaign materials were produced and disseminated on radios and television, namely: spots for campaigns STOP GBV and Say no to abuse and sexual violence against children and adolescents; several booklets and leaflets were produced and distributed, including on GBV in dating; the Guide on Abuse and Sexual Violence against Children and Adolescents was updated and re-edited, as well as the booklet The Shared Secret, a story on the importance of reporting such cases; the 2nd edition of the pocket booklet All you need to know about the GBV Law was printed and disseminated.

34.The National Police website has slogans to promote reporting of domestic violence through the police emergency number (132), as do the websites of public administration (Porton di Nos Ilha) (what is GBV, who can report it, where to report and how to report).

Female genital mutilation

35.Data from the National Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office show no record of complaints of FGM, which is considered a crime, punishable under the GBV Law as a serious offense to physical integrity (article 23, no. 2), including the punishment of perpetrators even if FGM was practiced outside of Cabo Verde.

36.Trainings on GBV and the GBV Law make reference to FGM as a harmful practice and a GBV crime. For health professionals, the training focuses on the obligation of reporting any case they come across in their professional practice and referral of victims and parents to support services.

37.The Project for Social Integration of Immigrants (PISI) is conducting information sessions for immigrant women on fundamental rights, including gender equality and the prohibition of early marriage; sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and women’s autonomy; and GBV, which includes FGM. Awareness sessions for men and young immigrants are scheduled, on the same topics, to be conducted through a partnership with the Cape Verdean White Ribbon Network.

Impact evaluation

38.In 2015 an evaluation of the project Equality Promoting Schools was undertaken: results on awareness-raising showed that in target schools the concepts of equality and non-violence were well established among students and teachers, and that teachers address gender equality and non-violence in the classroom. The component with men and youth, facilitated in school communities by the Cape Verdean White Ribbon Campaign, also had a positive impact on the understanding of masculinity stereotypes and behaviour change.

39.In 2017 an evaluation of the implementation of the GBV Law was undertaken. In terms of prevention, de main impact of awareness-raising measures, including television and radio campaigns, is increased knowledge of the population on GBV, underlying factors, the existence of the GBV Law and punishment measures, with GBV considered more consistently as unacceptable.

Recommendation 7: Violence against women

40.In terms of legal framework, the regulatory framework of the GBV Law was approved (Decree-law No. 8/2015, published 27 January). Also, in 2015, Resolution 97/2015 (published 1 October) established the GBV Support Fund. The statute proposal for its operationalization is being analysed, to be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. The Fund will be funded, among others, by 15 per cent of the revenue generated by property seized by the State, as foreseen by the 2012 Law No. 18/VIII/2012 (13 September) (Article 17º, No. 1, d).

41.The Penal Code was revised (Legislative-decree No. 4/2015, 11 November), typifying genocide, crimes against humanity, exploitation of child prostitution and human trafficking. Additionally, it typified crimes of Unconsented Artificial Procreation (article 152ºA) and increased sentence time for all sexual crimes, including sexual crimes against spouse, ex-spouse or partner, as well as crimes based on sexual orientation; increased the age for the crime of minor sexual abuse (previously considered for 14 to 16-year-old minors and now 14 to 18 years — article 145º). The revision of the Penal Code expanded the possibility of punishment for crimes committed outside of the national territory, including FGM (4º, No. 1, al. d).

42.In terms of policies, the PNGBV II was developed in 2014 and took into account CEDAW recommendations. The process mobilized all sectors that have responsibilities for the implementation of the GBV Law (education, health, police, justice, social communication, social promotion and labour), as well as CSO and gender activists. PNGBV II is a road map for the implementation of the GBV Law and considers different forms of GBV, including sexual harassment, sexual violence and FGM.

43.The National Plan to Combat Sexual Violence against Children and Adolescents (NPCSVCA 2017-2019) (Resolution No. 92/2016, 28 December), includes education strategies for children and adolescents on sexual rights and gender, in a self-protection perspective; empowerment projects for girls, who are the majority of sexual abuse victims; projects to promote positive paternal and masculinity models.

Awareness raising and training

44.Efforts to train professionals have been very significant (as referred in paragraph 233, CCD), focusing on the deconstruction of sexist and discriminatory stereotypes, the various types of violence foreseen by the GBV Law, including sexual harassment in the work place and schools, compulsory reporting of GBV and the responsibilities of each sector in the GBV Law implementation.

45.In 2012/2013 ICIEG and CNDHC supported the National Police Training School for the inclusion of a Gender and GBV module in the police initial training, as well as one on Human rights, while the GBV Law is also part of the curriculum of the module on Criminal Law. A Police Procedures Manual was developed to ensure harmonized police response to GBV cases. The Police emergency line (132) is now the main line used for GBV information and reporting, available 24 hours a day and free of charge for both landline and cell phone calls. In 2015 trainings were conducted for 25 police officers, as well as for the Criminal Police and the Armed Forces.

46.In respect to justice professionals, several training workshops were conducted for judges and lawyers to promote a harmonized approach to GBV cases: from 2012 to 2016 a total of 7 regional workshops were conducted. The Annotated Version of the GBV Law was updated and published (2nd edition). Additionally, to raise awareness among administrative justice professionals, training was conducted for 24 administrative staff from Public Prosecutor’s Offices from all justice districts of the country.

47.In the health sector, 14 trainings and awareness raising initiatives were implemented (2015–2016), covering all islands, for a total of 274 professionals (doctors, nurses, psychologists, administrative staff) to promote adequate and sensitive attention to GBV victims. In 2016 a Procedures Manual was developed for Health Service Professionals, to support identification of GBV situations and harmonize procedures, and disseminated in 2 workshops with 43 participants from all islands.

48.In 2015 ICIEG conducted a training workshop on advocacy for civil society partners, which resulted in 3 advocacy plans, on sexual violence, economic empowerment of women, and the regulatory framework for the GBV Law GBV, the later contributing to its approval that same year.

Support and protection of victims

49.The GBV inter-institutional GBV victim support network (SOL Network) has continued to expand: in 2013 it was active in 12 of the 22 Municipalities of Cabo Verde (paragraph 233, CCD) and, in 2016, in 19. The network operates based on the coordinated work of several entities (National Police, health services, justice, and social services, Legal Houses, NGO, among others). Simultaneously GBV victims Support Centres were established, to provide initial support, inform and refer GBV victims to other services. To institutionalize the Centres, they were transferred to the Legal Houses (paragraphs 190 and 191 of the CCD) (16 out of the 19 existing Support Centres). To harmonize procedures between the Support Centres and SOL Network, in 2015 a Procedures Manual was developed. Between 2013 and 2015 they jointly supported 6,434 GBV victims, on average 2,145 per year.

50.Under the decentralization process of social services to Municipalities, currently under way, as well as the evaluation and rethinking of the Legal Houses’ model, ICIEG established protocols with the 22 existing Town Halls, to implement Support Centres under their oversight, while ICIEG continues to technically supervise them. The model of the Support Centres is being revised to ensure they can provide multidisciplinary support in one single space (psychological, legal and social).

51.The establishment of Police Offices for GBV victims in Police Stations continued, enabling a private and differentiated attention to victims reporting GBV. In 2016 GBV Police Offices were operational in 12 Police stations. In 2015 ICIEG conducted a meeting with National Police Commissioners from all of the country’s districts, to share good practices and experiences in police attention to GBV victims and stimulate the expansion of GBV Police Offices to more police stations.

52.Shelter homes have not been implemented yet and the lack of shelters is recognized as a weakness of support and protection measures to GBV victims, especially the ones in risk situation. In 2013 the State made available a space for emergency shelter in Praia but it did not come into operation due to the lack of resources for its maintenance. In 2014 ICIEG signed a partnership agreement with the Congregation of Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary and the Cape Verdean Associations in Luxemburg for the establishment of a shelter in Santiago, with capacity for 30 GBV victims and a Professional Training Centre. Presently temporary shelter can only be ensured through funding of accommodation costs.

Reporting and punishment

53.Between legal years 2012/2013 to 2015/2016, a total of 13,078 GBV complaints were submitted to Public Prosecutors’ Offices across the country (16,315 complaints since the entry into force of the GBV Law in 2011, please see data per year in Table 2 of annex). Between 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 the number of complaints increased in 7.8 per cent; between 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 the increase was 0.2 per cent; and between 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 there was a decrease in complaints of 8.9 per cent, as well as between 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 (9 per cent). In respect to sexual crimes between legal years 2013/2014 to 2015/2016, a total of 1,248 complaints were registers, 1,178 of which perpetrated against minors, mostly against girls (95 per cent), with little variation in the number of cases per year. As for sexual harassment, in 2015/2016, 5 complaints were submitted to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, but none to the Labour General Inspection.

54.The evaluation of the implementation of the GBV Law (2017) highlights that the increase in complaints (between 2011/2012 and 2013/2014) may be related to: (i) the notoriety achieved by the GBV Law, according to the results of the survey conducted among the general population; (ii) the ex-officio nature of GBV crimes, that are require to be reported and do not admit withdrawal of complaints; and (iii) trainings and awareness raising efforts among professionals responsible for law implementation (better understanding of GBV, improved support services provided by trained professionals, especially in the case of the National Police). Probable factors related to the decrease in reporting (between 2013/2014 and 2015/2016) may include (i) decrease in overall GBV cases due to enhanced awareness and effective implementation of the GBV Law or (ii) a decrease in complaints (versus a decrease in cases), due to persistently slow judicial responses and gaps in protection responses.

55.Out of the 13,078 GBV complaints registered in 2011/2012 and 2012/2013, a total of 7,724 were resolved, while 5,354 are still pending. Since the entry into force of the GBV law (up to 2016) 8,418 cases are pending at Public Attorney Offices; 2,923 were presented to Courts for trial and 2,469 have been tried. To improve judicial response, specific Public Prosecutors were designated for GBV cases in the two biggest legal districts of the country (Praia and São Vicente). Nonetheless, judicial responses continue to be slow, especially at the level of Public Attorney’s Offices. To be noted that, despite slowness, GBV cases are resolved quicker than other types of criminal cases, due to their urgent nature under the GBV Law.

56.The National Program for the Rehabilitation of men perpetrators of GBV, established in 2012 as part of the GBV Law implementation (article 26), has conducted 37 Rehabilitation Groups between 2013 and 2016 across 8 municipalities. Until 2015, 238 men sentenced for GBV participated, including men serving sentences in prison and men with suspended sentences.

Data collection

57.Public Attorney’s Office and National Police are producing statistical information on GBV crimes and judicial processes. The establishment of an Integrated Operational Management System (SIGO) is being finalized, allowing for improved information sharing among the National Police, Criminal Police, Public Attorney’s Office and other entities from the security and justice sector, improving not only information collection and treatment, including on GBV, but also risk assessment, as well as case progress (which will now be computerized), including for purposes of informing victims on the status of their complaint. The 3rd Demographic Reproductive Health Survey is being prepared and will include for the second time a GBV module.

Impact evaluation

58.The evaluation of the implementation of the GBV Law (2017) highlights the establishment of Support Centres and expansion of the SOL network as good practices, evaluated positively by the population. Nonetheless their fragile institutionalization compromises their sustainability, and the evaluation identifies the non-implementation of shelters as a negative factor. The positive impact of GBV Police Offices is highlighted. In relation to punishment of perpetrators, the evaluation highlights the high rates of pending cases as a negative factor, while also recognizing the issue as a justice system issue and not exclusively a GBV issue. The Rehabilitation Program has not been specifically evaluated but its mid-term review points to positive impacts on behaviour change of offenders, especially in the municipalities where authorities embraced the program and systematically refer offenders to the program; these are also the municipalities where the population is more knowledgeable on GBV and its punishment.

Recommendation 8: Trafficking and exploitation of prostitution

Legal framework

59.The legal framework for the combat to human trafficking (HT) has been strengthened. Under the revised Penal Code human trafficking is criminalized (article 271A), as well as the practice of forced prostitution (articles 268A and 268B) and resorting to minor prostitution (article 145A). Article 268A punishes the crime of genocide and article 268B crimes against humanity, both punishing, in the context of these crimes, whoever commits, with the intention of destroying, all or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, acts of rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy or any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity. Article 271A on HT punishes whoever offers, gives, entices, transports, houses or shelters a person for purposes of sexual or work exploitation or removal of organs. The revised Penal Code foresees guarantees for victims of HT, establishing that they are not criminally responsible for illegally entering the national territory or having participated, in any context, in illegal activities that are a direct consequence of being a victim of HT.

60.The Law on the entry, stay, exit and removal of foreign nationals from Cabo Verde was approved (Law No. 66/VIII/2014, 17 July; regulated by Decree-law 2/2015, 6 January) includes measures to combat, prevent and repress HT and authorizes the temporary residence of foreign nationals that were victim to crimes connected to HT, contributing to the punishment of such crimes (as victims are key witnesses). It establishes that subsistence and urgent medical treatment must be ensured to victims lacking economic conditions, and special guarantees in repatriation, especially for pregnant women and victims of torture, sexual assault or other severe forms of psychological, physical or sexual violence, among others. CNDHC is responsible for monitoring the respect of human rights standards in the implementation of repatriation procedures.

Reporting and data collection

61.Since entry into force of the revised Penal Code (December 2015) Cabo Verde has systematic data on the crimes of HT and forced prostitution. Until end of 2016, 2 cases were tried. The Public Attorney’s Office also registered 3 complaints of HT), submitted until February 2017, presently under investigation.

62.In respect to minors (covered by law before the revision of the Penal Code) data from the Criminal Police register 4 cases of procuring (lenocínio) and 1 case of exploitation of minor for pornographic ends between 2014 and 2016 (first semester). Until 2016 there are no register of HT or kidnapping of minors. The NPCSVCA recommends the establishment of a list of missing children and adolescents at the level of National Police and Criminal Police databases, to facilitate inquiry into possible linkages of disappearances with international HT networks.

63.The Public Attorney’s Office Information System, established through cooperation with Portugal, is being tested (experimental stage). The aim of the system is to simplify and accelerate the collection, treatment and sharing of information among staff of the Public Attorney’s Office and among countries. HT and exploitation of prostitution of women and girls, among other crimes, will also be tracked through the SIGO (paragraph 57 of this report).

Policies and programs

64.In 2012 the National Immigration Strategy was approved (Resolution 3/2012, 23 January) and in 2013 its Action Plan (2013–2016), foreseeing improved management of irregular migrations and HT (strategic pillar I on Migration Flows), improved data collection and treatment and studies (strategic pillar II on Data and Research); and addressing FGM, early marriage and gender equality issues, through information and education sessions (strategic pillar V on Integration of Immigrants).

65.The National Emigration and Development Strategy, approved by Resolution No. 33/2014 (2 April) also contributes to combat HT: it focuses on avoiding recruitment of domestic labour from developing countries to work in developed countries, and marriages organized between women from developing countries and foreigners; guaranteeing an informed migration process, in partnership with consulates represented in Cabo Verde, through the provision of pre-departure orientation courses to pre-selected visa candidates, addressing specific issues that affect men and women. In terms of protection, assistance and empowerment of emigrants, it highlights the need for psychological support to victims of abuse.

66.The 2nd PNVBG considers trafficking and sexual exploitation of women. ICIEG is working on these issues in coordination with the Immigration General Directorate and CSO dedicated to gender equality, some of which focusing in particular on immigrants.

International, regional and bilateral cooperation

67.The Office of the Attorney General is the central authority in cooperation in criminal matters and the Superior Council of Public Prosecutors has intensified cooperation at several levels. In terms of Portuguese speaking countries, members of the CPLP: in 2012 a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Brazil, aimed among others at a broad and direct cooperation on transnational organized crime and related crimes, through information exchange, technical assistance and investigation exchange; and the same year with Portugal’s Office of the Prosecutor, as well as with East Timor’s Public Prosecutor Office in 2015. In 2013 the Luanda Declaration and Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Public Prosecutors’ Offices, thus strengthening the Network of International Legal and Judicial Cooperation that exists between CPLP countries. In 2015 Cabo Verde hosted a visit for a delegation headed by the Vice-president of Angola’s Superior Council of Public Prosecutors for experience exchange and cooperation strengthening.

68.The Foreigner and Border Directorate of Portugal supported Cabo Verde to strengthen national capacities for migration flow management, through a project funded by the European Union (2011–2014): the capacities of Cabo Verde’s authorities to manage migration were assessed; an operational manual on migration management developed; a data base on illegal stays established for the National Police; several training workshops conducted as well as a study tour to Portugal.

69.In 2014 a UNODC mission supported the evaluation of Cabo Verde’s Criminal Justice System response to HT and Smuggling of Migrants. The same year, the Ministry of Justice, in partnership with UNODC, the US Embassy and the HT Observatory of Portugal, organized a workshop on HT.

70.In the context of the Mobility Partnership signed between the European Union and Cabo Verde in 2008, involving 5 European countries (France, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spain and The Netherlands), cooperation focuses on border management, travel documentation and identification, and combating illegal migration and HT. Agreements have been signed with the United Kingdom and Portugal for joint patrols at sea, among other agreements with European Union States, as well as the United States of America, to combat illegal activities.

71.Cabo Verde is a member of the Working Group on Women, Peace and Security in West Africa, jointly coordinated at regional level by UNOWAS and UN-Women. At its 3rd Thematic Session of 2017, the Government’s National Security Adviser presented Cabo Verde’s experience of the Impact of transnational organized crime, drug and human traffic , on women and youth. Participants included governmental departments (justice, police, education, emigration, defence), academics and CSO.

Awareness-raising and rehabilitation and reintegration of victims

72.Some of the prevention and awareness-raising measures implemented have already been referred in the CCD (paragraphs 263 to 267). The General Directorate for Immigration, through the PISI (described in paragraph 266 of the CCD) conducted several activities specifically targeting women immigrants, in particular from West Africa (described in the section on disadvantaged groups of women).

73.Several CSO address the issue of prostitution in their activities to promote gender equality and prevent GBV and, in May 2016, ACRIDES (Association for Disadvantaged Children), conducted missions to Boavista and Maio islands, to establish partnerships with local authorities and civil society on issues of child trafficking, exploitation and sexual abuse. ACRIDES is a member of the West Africa Network for Childhood Protection.

74.In July 2017 the Ministry of Justice launched at national level the Blue Heart Campaign against HT, involving different departments and personalities, including the police, defence, justice, education, human rights, childhood and gender equality, as well as CSO, media and international partners.

75.The Congregation of Sisters Adorers implemented in São Vicente a centre for women in prostitution or at risk of entering prostitution (Project Kreditá na Bo / Believe in Yourself), with support from the Ministry of Justice. Since the start of the project in February 2016, the Project supported 92 women in prostitution.

76.In the context of HIV/AIDS projects, NGO such as MORABI, VERDEFAM and Red Cross work with sex workers since 2008. Their prevention and care activities on STI/HIV/AIDS are complemented by income generating activities, enabling them to achieve some reintegration of women and men from prostitution.

Recommendation 9: Participation in political and public life

77.Cabo Verde had 3 elections in 2016, Legislative, Municipal and Presidential. In the Legislative elections 17 women were elected, 2 more than in 2011 and the rate of women’s representation in Parliament increased (20.8 per cent to 23.6 per cent). In the Municipal elections women’s representation went from 22 per cent in 2012, to 26.3 per cent in 2016: the proportion of women delegates in the Municipal Assemblies is now 29.4 per cent, of Council women in Town Halls 21 per cent (with 2 Town Halls having achieved the parity interval of 40 per cent–60 per cent, Praia — 44.4 per cent, and Brava — 60 per cent), and Chairwomen of Municipal Assemblies 13.6 per cent. However, no woman was elected President of a Town Hall. There were no women candidates to Presidential elections.

78.The Supreme Court of Justice counts on 2 women judges out of 7 judges (28.6 per cent) and the President is a woman. The Superior Council of Magistrates, responsible for the management of the judiciary, courts and judiciary clerks, also has a women president. The President of the Bar Association is, for the second consecutive time, a woman. The proportion of women judges has oscillated between 35 per cent and 37 per cent from 2009 to 2015. In public administration, in 2014, out of 106 decision making officials, 37 (35 per cent) are women and 69 men (65 per cent). In the Education sector, decentralized decision-making posts, which are traditionally occupied by men, evolved towards parity: 45.5 per cent of Education Delegates at Municipal level are now women (2017), when this proportion was 18.2 per cent in 2014. In Secondary Schools women are now headmistresses in 39 per cent (31 per cent previously). In 2014, for the first time, a woman became Rector of the public University of Cabo Verde. Data from the most recent employment survey (INE, 2016) indicate that the proportion of women in the category legislative and executive representatives, directors and executive managers is 43.3 per cent.

79.The Government Plan for the 9th Legislative term, prepared in 2016 after the elections, sets forth a clear commitment with the promotion of a Parity Law.

80.After the legislative election of 2016, and in preparation of the municipal election of that same year, in May and June 2016 ICIEG and RMPCV conducted two national workshops, to strengthen the capacities of the newly elected parliamentarians and candidates to the municipal elections in the identification of key gender issues, and share accumulated experience and lessons learnt on women’s political participation.

81.In January 2017 RMPCV conducted, in partnership with ICIEG, a workshop on Parity Mechanisms for Women ’ s Political Participation, gathering Parliamentarians, the Alliance of Women of Santiago (women politically engaged at local level), civil society leaders, enabling in depth analysis of the issue. A commitment declaration was signed (Declaration of Rui Vaz) for the formulation, adoption and implementation of a Parity Law: it was presented and discussed with political parties and the country’s highest authorities. Another result of the workshop was an Advocacy Action Plan for Ge nder Parity in Cabo Verde (2017– 2019), which is being implemented jointly by RMPCV and ICIEG.

82.As a result of Parliamentarian’s advocacy within their parties, the representation of women in party structures has increased significantly: in the case of Movement for Democracy, at its latest Caucus (January 2017), women’s proportion in the Caucus Board went up to 60 per cent, 43 per cent in the Jurisdiction Council, 42 per cent in the National Board and 30 per cent in the National Political Commission. The African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde has a proportion of 30 per cent of women in the National Council, 30 per cent in the National Political Commission and 50 per cent in the General Secretariat, the party’s executive body. Since 2014 this party has a woman President, who was elected Vice-President of the Socialist International in July 2017.

83.End of July 2017 the RMPCV, in partnership with ICIEG, organized an international conference on parity, providing participants the opportunity to learn about the experience of different countries with successful experiences, namely Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Spain and Portugal. The conference contributed to create consensus around the Parity Law. On the 5th of July (celebration of Cabo Verde’s Independence Day) the exhibition Women, Action and Politics was organized, paying tribute to women that stood out in politics since independence.

84.In parallel with the Parity Law discussion, RMPCV and the ICIEG are focusing on the ongoing revision of the (i) Political Party Law and (ii) Electoral Code. The preliminary draft of the Political Party Law identifies discrimination based on sex as a possible cause for the legal extinction of a political party (article 57); the principle of equal participation of women and men in politics and party life, and that “…no election list for party bodies should have less than 40 per cent of persons either sex” (article 32). This preliminary version does not however foresee a control mechanism and as such ICIEG and RMPCV are proposing concrete mechanisms to implement parity. For the revision of the Electoral Code, in April 2017 the General Directorate for Support to Electoral Processes (DGAPE) organized a conference to identify necessary revisions, discussing among others the inclusion of parity in the revision of the Electoral Code. The conference’s conclusions recommend moving forward with the Parity Law, to even women’s and men’s representation in elected positions; also, that noncompliance with parity be a motive for electoral lists to be refused in courts, during the law compliance validation process. ICIEG, in coordination with RMPCV, have submitted proposed amendments to DGAPE.

Recommendation 10: Education

Literacy programs

85.Literacy rates continue to evolve positively in Cabo Verde (paragraph 41, CCD) and the gap between women and men continues to reduce, reflecting investments made. Illiteracy stills affects women more, especially older rural and urban women, but only 2.8 per cent of rural women in the age group 25–34 are illiterate.

86.Data from 2014 shows that 1.7 per cent of the population is or has been enrolled in literacy programs, 2.4 per cent of women and 1.1 per cent of men, especially in the case of rural population (2.5 per cent rural versus 1.4 per cent urban population).

87.Out of school education, aimed at eliminating literal and functional illiteracy, includes literacy, post-literacy and professional training activities. Enrolments are higher in Praia (38 per cent), followed by São Vicente (11 per cent) and Sal (com 9 per cent). Out of 28 existing municipalities, including mainly rural and mainly urban municipalities, only 4 have no adult education activities. Women represent 52.8 per cent of 911 enrolled.

88.Between 2013 and 2016 the PISI project supported 6 literacy projects implemented by immigrant CSO. Projects included literacy activities, as well as professional training, and included women trainees.

89.The Education Strategic Plan (2017–2021), recently approved, foresees the strengthening of human and financial resources to respond to out of school education demand of youth and adults.

Prevention of GBV in education institutions

90.The Diagnostic Study of the profile of aggressors condemned for sexual crimes against minors, conducted by CNDHC, compiled existing data and showed that out of a total of 1,232 persons serving a prison sentence in one of the country’s jails in August 2016, 87 were sentenced for sexual crimes against minors, among which 2 against school girls, in one case perpetrated by a teacher, the other a school guard.

91.The first measure the MoE takes in cases of sexual abuse brought to its attention is the opening of a disciplinary proceedings and suspending the suspect’s functions, through the General Inspection of Education, while the legal process takes its course, as well as the disciplinary proceedings.

92.The project Equality Promoting Schools was implemented in 2013, as referred in paragraph 38 of the present report. In addition to activities conducted under this project, several other talks, debates, fairs and theatre sessions are conducted every year in schools as part of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV.

93.The NPCSVCA (2017–2019), coordinated by ICCA, proposes measures to be implemented by the MoE: (i) the inclusion of sexual education in pre-school, in a self-protection perspective, (ii) the development of a continuous training program for teachers on the prevention, identification and management of sexual violence, and (iii) the establishment of a compulsory notification system of cases for sexual violence against children/adolescents in education and health establishments.

94.A Diagnostic Study on Violence in Schools is under way (pilot survey already conducted), which will inform an Action Plan for its prevention and combat.

95.The Safe School program, run by the National Police, is a national program that significantly contributes to reduce violence in schools. The program’s aim is to promote a culture of security, civism and citizenship; diagnose, prevent and intervene to eliminate risk and/or illegal behaviour in schools and surrounding areas.

Pregnant girls in school and sexual education

96.The Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA) (Lei 50/VIII/2013, 26 December) revoked the MoE’s measure of 2001 that recommended pregnant school girls to suspend their studies, to reassume them after childbirth. ECA’s article 47 states that pregnant children/adolescents cannot be encouraged to suspend their studies or abandon school. In 2014 the General Inspection of Education disseminated ECA’s provisions to staff, at central and decentralized level. ECA has also been widely disseminated, through social professionals from different sectors, as well as civil society activists. Its regulatory framework is being prepared by a technical team created to this effect.

97.In July 2017 the Cabinet of Ministers approved a Diploma establishing the measures for social and educational support to school girls/students during pregnancy, after child birth and while breastfeeding, aimed at their continued access to education in quality conditions, at all educational levels (basic, secondary, professional training, higher education). In particular: the right to 60 days of maternity leave after child birth; leave before childbirth in clinical risk situations; a special regime of leave postpartum (justified leave for consultation, illness and assistance to the baby); and adjustments of evaluation rules according to need (deadlines and modalities). The Diploma foresees the possibility of special evaluation dates, of not registering for a minimum number of school subjects, specific orientation of pregnant students by the school’s Social Action services and special transfer conditions to other school establishments. Education institutions are required to train their teachers on SRH, adapt to the diploma’s dispositions and disseminate it, including to pregnant students, and promote an environment free of discrimination. The publication of the Diploma in the Official Bulletin is ongoing.

98.Sexual and health education is part of the curriculum of Integrated Sciences and Education for Citizenship. It is also addressed in extracurricular activities in school, such as talks, awareness raising activities, training, among others. Information and Orientation Clubs (EIO) exist in secondary schools: they work through peer educators on SRH, including a focus on gender equality, prevention of drug use, HIV and interpersonal skill. 17 EIO exist in secondary schools, reaching 23.749 students (55 per cent girls) between 2015 and 2016, through a social skills approach.

99.Although room for improvement still exists, progress has been achieved on key indicators: the age-specific fertility rate for adolescents (15–19) decreased from 104 per thousand in 1998, to 92 per thousand in 2005, and to 62 per thousand in 2010. Considering pregnant woman attending prenatal consultation (health sector administrative data), in 2014 close to 2 in every 10 were teenagers under 19 years of age (18.2 per cent), when in 2010 they represented 3 in every 10 pregnant women (30.5 per cent). Younger teenagers (under 17 years of age) represented close to 4 per cent of the total, in 2014, while in 2007 they represented 11.4 per cent. Condom use among youth (15–24 years) has also evolved positively: in 2005, the rate of use of condom at last risk relation (non-cohabiting partner) was 55.8 per cent (women) and 78.6 per cent (men), while in 2012 it increased to 68.5 per cent (women) and decreased slightly for men (77.2 per cent).

Vocational orientation and choices

100.In terms of vocational areas, girls and young women have diversified their choices. In 2015/2016 girls represented 56.3 per cent of students in the last cycle of secondary school (11th and 12th grades): in terms of areas chosen, they represented 49.2 per cent of students in the science and technology branch, 55.3 per cent in the economic and social branch and 64.1 per cent in humanities. The technical option of secondary school (via técnica) represented 9.4 per cent of all student in 11th and 12th grades, and 43 per cent of students in the technical option were girls. In courses traditionally considered masculine (construction, electricity, informatics, etc.) 29 per cent of students are girls, which represents some progress; girls’ proportion in the remaining courses (administration of small enterprises, administration and accountancy) is 64 per cent.

101.As for professional training, the proportion of women is balanced (51 per cent for both 2012 and 2013). In 2015 a total of 162 professional training courses were implemented, by different training entities, including Employment and Professional Training Centres, for a total of 3,178 beneficiaries, 1,778 women (56 per cent) and 1,400 men (44 per cent). Close to 63 per cent of trainings (102 courses) focus on priority development areas for the country, such as Finance (33), Tourism (31), ICT (27), Agribusiness (6) and creative industries (5). Additionally, 24 training of trainers courses were conducted for 451 trainers, 273 women (60.5 per cent) and 178 men (39.5 per cent).

102.In terms of higher education, course choices remain stereotyped, which could still be linked to previous girls’ areas of choice in high school. In 2014/2015 women represented 58.8 per cent of higher education students. Globally the least chosen domains of study are Life Sciences, Environment and Health (14.5 per cent) and Exact Sciences, Engineering and Technologies (19.1 per cent). In terms of gender balance, more men choose exact sciences (71 per cent) and more women life sciences (76 per cent). In all other areas women are the majority (65.5 per cent for social and human sciences, arts and languages, and 62 per cent for economic, political and legal studies). The University of Cabo Verde (UniCV) also provides Higher Education Professional Studies (courses in Renewable Energy Equipment; Hydrology; Animal Health; Accountancy) were the proportion of women is 42 per cent (35 per cent in 2012). Women enrolled in postgraduate studies also increased, including in scientific domains: in 2016/2017 they represent 53.6 per cent of Master degrees students (38.6 per cent in 2008) and 45 per cent of Doctorates students.

103.All secondary schools had a vocational orientation office over the 2012–2016 period, supporting students (8th to 12th grades). Each vocational office has to promote girls’ and boys’ reflection on the importance of professional choices for the elimination of occupational segregation and improve women’s employability.

104.Between 2014 and 2016 the Curriculum for Entrepreneurship was piloted (secondary school and professional training): course contents include gender issues, namely: (i) myths and prejudice about the nature of work according to gender, and (ii) gender discrimination and inequality in work context and in society, and ways to prevent it. The pilot phase was implemented in 12 schools in 6 islands, with 280 teachers and 77 staff from the MoE. Half of the students enrolled in the course were girls (50 per cent); 617 students presented a business plan, of which 63 per cent girls. The Curriculum is now generalized to the last cycle of secondary school.

105.In 2016, in commemoration of Girls in ICT Day, the Research and Training Centre in Gender and Family (CIGEF) organized an international conference on the Empowerment of Women i n the ICT sector in Cabo Verde — Opportunities and Challenges, to promote public debate on the issue. And in 2017, the Week of Informatics and Multimedia Technologies, focused on the use of cell phones as a means for informational and media literacy with young women in out-of-school education. The First Lady has conducted several talks in secondary schools and Universities on girls in sciences, technology and mathematics.

Special education

106.According to the 2010 Census, the illiteracy rate is high (46.4 per cent) among the adult population identified as disabled, especially among women: over half cannot read/write (53.6 per cent versus 40 per cent of men). A specific study, conducted among a sample of persons with disabilities in 2013 shows a slightly better panorama, but equally distinct for women: close to 30 per cent of the people with disabilities surveyed have no educational level, 41.5 per cent of women and 21.5 per cent of men with disabilities; almost half of women (48 per cent) has primary or secondary education (65.5 per cent for men); and 7.3 per cent has a post-secondary degree (9.6 per cent men).

107.Paragraphs 235–247 of the CCD present measures implemented to guarantee equality and non-discrimination of persons with disabilities, including in education.

108.The Education Strategic Plan (2017–2021) signals the main gaps in special education: lack of (i) consistent legislation, (ii) an identification and diagnostic system of students with SEN at national level, (iii) tests and other evaluation tools, and (iv) coordination between Education and Health sectors and social solidarity actors. In its Equitable Access pillar, the Strategic Plan aims for universal preschool, including for children with SEN: the priority will be improving access and inclusion conditions in preschools, through the provision of adequate educational materials and training for educators. Preschool level will be linked to a program managed by the MFIS (promoting access to health care and care of children with disabilities 0–3 years of age, within the National Care System).

109.The Education Strategic Plan also foresees the fitting of access ramps and other mobility solutions in all educational facilities and considers children with SEN as a target group for school social action programs. The pillar Quality and Relevance of Education foresees an inclusion project for children and adolescents with SEN, including the: (i) diagnostic of students with SEN in a Digital Platform, (ii) inclusion of children in schools based on an international classification that ranks children and adolescents in 3 categories (dependents, can be qualified, included), (iii) training of specialized SEN teachers. Gender equality is a cross cutting theme.

110.Some projects have been piloted in partnership with CSO, in particular the Cape Verdean Deaf Association. In school year 2008/09 the association supported a class of about 20 deaf children in a public school of Praia. The project continued through secondary school (making available translation support) and at the end of school year 2017/18, 6 deaf students concluded high school — 4 women and 2 men.

Recommendation 11: Employment

111.The CCD presents key indicators on employment, unemployment and informal sector (paragraphs 42 to 45) and, although there has been considerable progress, women continue to be more inactive than men and, when they are active, their insertion in the labour market is less favourable. In 2015 most of the working population was working in elementary professions (56.6 per cent women and 43.4 per cent men), followed by retail (56.2 per cent women and 43.8 per cent men). Employment segregation persists: women are the majority in domestic employment, health, trade, education, accommodation and food services, and men in construction, agriculture, public administration, defence and social security, transport and storage.

112.During the period under review, considerable effort was made to give visibility to existing inequality in women’s economic empowerment, based on evidence. In 2012, through a partnership between ICIEG, the National Institute of Statistics (INE) and CIGEF, a Time use survey was conducted, enabling public discussion of a root cause of gender equality. In Cabo Verde, in light of gender roles and stereotypes, women are assigned almost exclusive responsibility for domestic work, education of children and family care: on average people dedicate almost 1/3 of their weekly time to unpaid work, 63 hours a week on average for women and 38 for men, a difference of about 24 hours a week on average. Poor women have a higher unpaid work load, up to 10 hours a week on average, for women with low educational level. Family responsibilities are a constraint to women’s entry into the labour market. The preliminary results of the survey were widely disseminated and, in 2013, a data analysis workshop was conducted to exploit the final data set, bringing together INE, ICIEG, CIGEF, academics, civil society and women parliamentarians, who drafted conclusions and recommendations. In 2014 CIGEF organized a National Conference on Gender, Family and Social Policy, with a wider public, which resulted in the consolidated notion that care work needs recognition: indeed, being performed mainly as unpaid work and not accounted for in national accounts, it is invisible to the economy and for public policy decision making, especially economic policy. The Government Program (2016) foresees the establishment of a Care System targeting women and vulnerable families. Its implementation is under way (section on disadvantaged groups of women).

113.Tourism is a key motor of Cabo Verde’s economy. In 2015 7.4 per cent of occupied active persons were employed in hotels and catering: women represent 62 per cent of the employed in this sector. It comes in 4th position for women’s employment (6th position for men). Employment is concentrated in the islands of Sal and Boavista, and 60 per cent of workers have precarious contracts. Considering the importance of this sector for women’s integration in the labour market, ICIEG, in coordination with the General Directorate of Tourism, developed an Action Plan for Gender Mainstream ing in the Tourism Sector (2016–2018). The process of development of the Action Plan was in itself a capacity building process: 3 workshops (Praia, Boavista and Sal) on gender and tourism were conducted for 49 staff from public institutions, CSO and private sector; several awareness-raising sessions were conducted; a presentation at the National Seminar on Green Jobs; and a 40-hour Gender and Self-Esteem seminar at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (EHTCV), benefiting 25 students. EHTCV trains women and men (women are the majority of students) who have high employability (around 75 per cent) without gender disparity (75 per cent women, 74 per cent men).

114.The establishment in 2014 of the Special Regime for Micro and Small Enterprises (Law No. 70/VII/2014, published 26 August) provided informal businesses with a specific tax and contribution system favourable to the promotion of their competitivity, productivity and formalization. Among other benefits: it exempts businesses from the publication of any corporate action, considerably reducing the costs of establishing an enterprise and other acts; as well as from compulsory organized accounts, reducing accountancy costs; provides a simplified model for tax payment which considerably reduces the amount of tax to be payed, though the Unified Special Tax (4 per cent of business volume) which substitutes the Tax on corporate income, the VAT — value added tax (in the normal regime it corresponds to 15 per cent of invoice), the Fire Tax and contributions to social security (corresponds to 16,5 per cent of salary of each worker in the normal regime). As previously mentioned, women are the majority of operators in the informal sector.

115.In 2017 ICIEG prepared a gender analysis of the results of the Informal Sector Survey (2015) to inform the National Transition Strategy from Informal to Formal Economy (2017–2020). Women in the informal sector have low levels of education, work in least profitable informal sector activities (retail), are mainly self-employed and when they earn a salary, it is on average 71.5 per cent of the salary of men. An Interinstitutional Group for the Strategic Management of the Transition from Informal to Formal Economy was established, of which ICIEG is a member.

116.Cabo Verde’s private sector is mainly composed of micro enterprises (76 per cent of all enterprises in the country). According to the survey Profile of Businesswomen in Santiago, conducted by the Association of Businesswomen of Santiago (AMES), the majority of women’s businesses are small, trade is the activity in 3 out of 4 businesses (77 per cent), on average they have 2 employees, and 9 out of 10 enterprises work locally. Women mainly use self-funding to open their business (70 per cent) and only 1/3 of those women requested funding (60 per cent microcredit and 37 per cent bank loan) to acquire materials / commodities / merchandise or equipment. Based on the survey, a data base of women led enterprises in Santiago was established.

117.The Integrated Education, Training and Employment Policy Paper (2013–2018), approved by Resolution No. 112/2013 (1 November) integrated a gender approach and has women as target group for several interventions, under implementation, namely through the Agency for Entrepreneurial Development and Innovation (ADEI) and the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP), often in partnership with NGOs.

118.ADEI supported 2 rounds of the Project Women’s Entrepreneurship, for a total of 50 women, including training in management of micro and small businesses and support to business plan elaboration. Some beneficiaries were placed in business incubators and accessed financing for their businesses. Overall, women’s participation in ADEI’s entrepreneurship training is higher than men’s (56 per cent), nonetheless in terms of business projects implementation their proportion is lower than men’s (40 per cent in 2015 and 45 per cent in 2016).

119.IEFP in 2015 conducted two trainings in Entrepreneurship and Management of Business Plans for 40 women between 18 and 35 years (Santa Cruz and Fogo). 15 young women received technical assistance for the establishment of businesses (São Vicente, Praia and Boavista). A Gender, GBV and Self-Esteem training was implemented in collaboration with the ICIEG, benefiting 15 women of Santa Cruz. Additionally, since 2013, IEFP is implementing a support Project for young graduated women including: (i) a business incubator in São Vicente, (ii) a Fund for Business Credit and Development and (iii) support to exchange of experiences with Portugal in the domain of catering and clothing.

120.Other measures implemented by the IEFP to promote employment include a National Professional Internship Program, enabling young people looking for their 1st job to have real labour force experience, contributing to improve their personal, social and technical skills. The program has benefitted hundreds of young people with higher education, especially young women, since the unemployment rate among women with higher education level is higher (20.7 per cent among young persons with post-secondary studies: 24.7 per cent for women and 16 per cent for men). In 2012 for instance 57 per cent of beneficiaries of the Internship Program were young women and 43 per cent young men. In 2015, these proportions are respectively 68.6 per cent and 31.4 per cent. As for impact of the Program, with reference to 2014, the rate of labour market insertion after completion of the internship is 68 per cent, with a majority of women entering labour market (59.6 per cent).

121.In 2015 IEFP piloted a new program for the insertion of long-term unemployed persons: 4 capacity building initiatives were implemented for 89 persons registered for over a year at Employment Centres (São Vicente, Santa Catarina, Praia and Santa Cruz), 83 per cent of which women. In terms of employability, the pilot phase resulted in 73 per cent beneficiaries inserted in the labour market.

122.CSO continue to have a crucial role in the promotion of employment and professional training, especially NGOs working on women’s economic empowerment, through the offer of training courses, microfinance, support for the establishment of production cooperatives, market placement of products, among others. MORABI and OMCV, two national level NGOs, both implemented projects covering several islands over the review period and, between 2012-2016, provided microcredit to 10,000 beneficiaries, in 83 per cent of cases for women.

123.In 2017 the Program for Youth Micro Entrepreneurship was established (Resolution No.35/2017, 25 April) aimed at promoting and formalizing youth entrepreneurship and generating employment and income. Microenterprises or cooperatives that are held by young between 18 and 35 years (at least in 60 per cent). The Program establishes that 50 per cent of funding available for microcredits is provided to eligible projects of microenterprises or cooperatives held by 60 per cent of women.

124.The principle of equal pay for work of equal value has not yet been incorporated in the Labour Code. During the period under review the Labour Code only suffered a one-off review (Legislative-decree No. 1/2016, 4 February) as Cabo Verde’s legal framework is considered rigid and prohibitive of investment and, consequently, of employment. Changes concern flexible working times, dismissal for objective motives, mandatory notice periods and new contract modalities.

125.Nonetheless, in view of the future integration and implementation of this principle, several actors were trained, namely trade unions, employers’ associations, women parliamentarians and CSO, to strengthen their capacity to promote women’s decent work agenda: the training, conducted in June 2016, focused on ILO Conventions No.100, on equal remuneration of men and women for work of equal value, No.111, on discrimination in employment and occupation, No.156, on equal opportunities and treatment for men and women workers, No.183, on maternity protection, and No.189, on decent work for domestic workers. The training included a comparative analysis of international labour standards against national laws, as well as recommendations received by Cabo Verde and constraints to their full implementation. An Advocacy action plan to promote gender equality in the work context was prepared based on priorities identified and is under way.

Recommendation 12: Health

Free access to reproductive health services

126.Reproductive health services in Cabo Verde continue to be provided free of charge globally to all women, men and adolescents. As referenced in the CCD (paragraphs 17, 29 and 30) key indicators such as fertility rate, maternal mortality, coverage of antenatal services, births assisted by qualified health staff, continue to improve reflecting women’s access to SRH information and services.

127.Decree-law No. 10/2007, published 29 March and currently in force, approves the Health Care Price List of the National Health System, as well as the Package of Essential Health Services that should be available free of charge or at low cost in health facilities; it also defines user charges to be applied to specific services/ treatments. The Price List establishes percentages to be paid (per services, medication and user taxes) based on patient income (22 categories). Nonetheless, as documented by a study conducted in 2012 at health facility level, this Price List has not been applied in any consistent way: indeed, the income classification is complex and in practice it is impossible to determine income of patients at health service level. Other factors that have led to the non-application of the Price List are the lack of knowledge of the Decree-law, difficulty in its interpretation and lack of technical means for its application. User charges are the most applied component of the Price List and they are charged at first contact of patients with health services such as emergency services, appointment making, medication, injections, curative procedures, for which 100 Cape Verdean Escudos are charged (approximately 1 USD), while exemptions can be made due to the economic condition of the patient, based on a poverty credential issued by the Town Hall of the place of residence of the patient. At the level of Basic Health Units user charges were waived.

128.The basic Package of Essential Health Services that are provided free of charge include reproductive health services for both women and men, care of infectious/transmissible diseases (HIV/AIDS, STI, Tuberculosis, among others), integrated attention to child illnesses (AIDI), among other services/care. The AIDI and reproductive health packages and care of infectious diseases (with the exception of medication for some situations) are provides free of charge, including anti-retroviral treatment, which is now available in all municipalities of the country. For all types of contraceptives (except condoms that are free) an amount of 100 Cape Verdean Escudos is paid (approximately 1 USD), an amount that can be exempt according to the patient’s economic condition. All pregnant women have free access to SRH services, which includes the prenatal HIV teste, antenatal and postnatal care, post abortion care (with the exception of medication for which a percentage is paid by patients, and abortion). The basic package also includes free screening services for breast and cervix cancer, as well as prostate cancer. The individual reproductive health booklet has a cost of 200 Cape Verdean Escudos (2 USD) and corresponds to a one-off expense and enables the integrated record of events along the life cycle.

129.In August 2016 the Ministry of Health and Social Security (MoH) held a meeting to discuss a revision proposal of the Health Care Price List and co-payment regimes, which under appreciation.

Provision of reproductive health services by civil society organizations

130.The MoH is responsible for, and ensures, the technical supervision of SRH services provided by CSO. Only one NGO provide services beyond information and awareness-raising - VERDEFAM and, for specific vulnerable groups, also MORABI and the Red Cross. When clinical protocols are updated by the Ministry, or new approaches are implemented (ex. prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, voluntary HIV testing, etc.), NGO technical staff are included in trainings. Additionally, NGO provide information to the MoH, both on compulsorily notifiable diseases, and reproductive health services provided.

131.Part of the funding of these NGOs is ensured through projects, namely through the Committee for the Coordination of the Combat Against AIDS (CCS-SIDA), in respect to STI/HIV related domains, for the provision of free of charge and high-quality services, in particular for hard to reach and highly vulnerable and marginalized groups. ONGs also provide peer educator approaches for adolescents and youth, in collaboration with Education sector and Youth Centres and, at local level Health Delegations. ICIEG has also been traditionally a source of funding for NGO working on SRH, and the most recently funded project was for the dissemination of information during the Zika virus outbreak, in 2015. However, the main funding sources are mobilized by the NGOs from donors, in particular through international NGO such as the International Federation for Family Planning or ENDA Santé. VERDEFAM has also progressively ensured own revenue through service provision, with the enlargement of the health services they provide beyond SRH, based on health attention across the life cycle. Their health services take into account all applicable exemptions of costs for specific groups and illnesses.

Women with disabilities

132.At national level no complaint of forced sterilization was received, nonetheless, under the leadership of the Minister of Health, the head of SRH Services inquired services to establish the existence of such cases, which were however not identified. The investigation of complaints is a standard procedure of the MoH and, whenever a complaint is received, the MoH proceeds with its investigation through the General Health Inspection. Issues related to voluntary termination of pregnancy receive special attention and scrutiny because of its culturally sensitive nature, in order to effectively ensure women’s access to services foreseen by law, guaranteeing abortion in safe conditions. The complaints received in the period under review pertain to situations of impediments to voluntary termination of pregnancy, as opposed to forced abortion. These situations were investigated and resolved, resorting to the Attorney General’s advice whenever necessary, namely when the refusal of the performance of voluntary termination of pregnancy is grounded in the interpretation of the respective legal framework.

133.Additionally, the MoH and ICIEG promoted a study to inform on women with disabilities’ access to SRH services, conducted in 2015 by the CIGEF: this qualitative study focused on women with disabilities on the one hand, and women living with HIV on the other hand. Results show that a considerable number of women with disabilities receive social pension or a pension granted by the Town Hall. Women were found to be well informed as to exemption procedures to access medication. Only few women with disabilities use contraceptives (they refer not having the need to use them) or have children, most consider they are not in a situation that would enable them to have children. Women that have been pregnant refer having been advised by family members and friends to have an abortion and during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum frequently heard stigmatizing and prejudiced comments. Women refer family pressure, especially when they depend on family to take care of the child. The majority of women feel well treated when they go to health services (ex. they have priority, personalized treatment, attention to special needs, such as spatial orientation for blind women), however cases of lack of attention are noted, especially in situation of hospitalization. The study refers the testimony of a woman subject to sterilization without her consent that occurred in the context of family pressure and decision. A second case is referred in which, although there was strong family pressure, the woman with disability’s decision was respected and sterilization not performed. Overall most women with disabilities refer having been subject to several types of violence across their life cycle, primarily occurring within the family and society.

Women living with HIV/AIDS

134.Women in Cabo Verde have a lower HIV/AIDS prevalence rate than men (paragraph 34 of CCD). Data from the MoH shows that 409 new HIV positive cases were notified in 2014, 230 of which in women and 179 in men, and that HIV seropositivity is identified earlier among women: the large majority of new infections notified in 15–34-year olds are for women (113 women and 49 men) while for the following ages the tendency inverts (109 women and 129 men, for 34 year olds and above). HIV testing is offered to all pregnant women, for the PMTCT, and has enabled women to identify seropositivity early and access available support and treatment. Mother to child HIV transmission has decreased; from 5.6 per cent in 2011 to 0.02 per cent in 2015, and new infection marginally affect children.

135.Prevalence rates in vulnerable and marginalized groups are also known: in 2013 HIV prevalence among sex workers (mostly women) was 7.7 per cent; 3.9 per cent among drug users (mostly men, although women drug users, which represent 2.5 per cent of the tested drug user population, have a higher prevalence rate than men — 5.6 per cent versus 3.9 per cent); 15 per cent among men who have sex with men.

136.Programs to combat HIV are coordinated by CCS-SIDA and take into account women’s needs, as well as the feminization that can be observed in the group of persons identified HIV positive. As such, support services in the context of PMTCT have been strengthened, as well as programs targeting vulnerable groups. A Network of People Living with HIV exists: it is a self-help group that works in close coordination with CSS-SIDA and CSO to promote the rights of people living with HIV, putting themselves out as ambassadors for people living with HIV, and supporting people living with HIV, in order to avoid self-exclusion. Since 2010 women living with HIV established a Unit within the Network, and it supports women living with HIV and advocates for their rights. The Unit is a member of similar networks (at the level of the Economic Community of West African States and CPLP), which has contributed to its consolidation. Some HIV positive women were recruited to work in support groups of the PMTCT program, supporting other women to adapt to their newly found out HIV condition.

137.Work with marginalized groups, namely sex workers (SW), drug users (DU), and men who have sex with men, is conducted is close partnership with CSO that are able to reach these groups. Work is grounded in a rights approach and outreach projects include IEC, training of peer educators, distribution of condoms and gel, screening for STI and HIV, referral for STI treatment and ARV treatment and other required treatments, as well as social support (nutritional support, support to children’s schooling, basic food basket). Mobile units have greatly facilitated the access to services for particularly excluded groups: for SW for instance, between 2015 and 2016, a total of 2,892 had access to HIV voluntary counselling and testing and received results (between 2012 and 2013 this total was 1,036 women). In 2013, 67 per cent of SW had access to social support (54 per cent in 2011). Data on coverage of services will be updated in 2017 and is likely to have increased.

138.Two studies were conducted to assess discrimination and stigma that people living with HIV suffer: a national survey, conducted in 2015 under the coordination of the Network of People Living with HIV and CCS-SIDA, and a qualitative study conducted by the CIGEF, focusing on women (referred paragraph 133).

139.The quantitative survey shows that the majority of people living with HIV is disadvantaged, has low levels of education and insertion in the labour market. Half of the sample, both men and women, have incomes below the poverty threshold. An expressive majority of people living with HIV (89.7 per cent) does not consider they have been victims of discrimination and stigmatization, either in terms of access to education, health and labour market, or within their family and community; 91.3 per cent believes health professionals do not disclose their HIV status to other without their consent. Close to 65 per cent considers they are in good health, with higher levels of satisfaction among women. A very large majority of women living with HIV received information on safe pregnancy and motherhood. Both women and men (91 per cent) indicate they have not been subject to discrimination in access to employment, professional development, or have changed residence over the last year. Of those that lost their jobs, the majority (57 per cent) indicate the motive is not related to HIV status, nonetheless 31 per cent consider the loss of job to be due to employer’s discrimination based on HIV status and 11 per cent to a mix of discrimination and other reasons. The study however shows people living with HIV have weak knowledge of the Law that protects them (Law No. 19/VII/2007 regulating prevention, treatment and control of HIV/AIDS): only 47 per cent of both women and men have knowledge of its existence. Additionally only 1 out of 4 persons discloses their HIV status, including to family members, and when they do, it is mainly to health professionals, spouse/partner and/or to other persons living with HIV. This means that the great majority silences their HIV status, in particular men, as well as DU and SW, who are fear being object of multiple discrimination.

140.The qualitative study on the other hand notes that most of the interviewees receive social pension or a pension from the Town Hall, and confirms free access to ARV treatment and associated exams, and that women are well informed as to mechanisms for exemption of payment for medication that is not part of the list of free medication. In terms of satisfaction with access and provision of SRH services, HIV positive women highlight progresses, especially after the creation of associations of people living with HIV: they feel treated as other women are (in a positive sense). The main constraints identified are in terms of health support/administrative personnel that sometimes do not guarantee their rights and established procedures (ex. do not respect established priority and positively differentiated treatment, including free access, priority in consultation, etc.). To overcome this kind of situation a specific office within health centres has been assigned, to which women have direct access. Doctors and nurses offer information on family planning methods and analyse with women advantages and disadvantages. The biggest source of discrimination referred by HIV positive women is within the family: family members do not always accept and understand their situation, although some women feel supported by their families and refer that adapting to HIV status is a process in itself, which happens over time also for families.

Recommendation 13: Rural women

Rural poverty

141.The CCD presents progress in poverty reduction in the country (paragraph 24 to 26). Rural poverty decreased to a greater extent, reflecting investments made: between 2007 and 2015 absolute poverty decreased 13.5 percent points in rural areas (versus 7 percent points in urban areas). In the previous period (2002–2007) rural poverty had decreased only 6.6 percent points.

142.The Government’s Program contains clear Social Inclusion and Gender policy priorities, which include responses based on poverty mapping, multisector and proximity responses, and the promotion of employment and income, with special focus on rural areas, where poverty is more prevalent and gender inequality greater.

143.In 2014 the Ministry of Agriculture implemented a project for the revision, from a gender and climate change perspective, of sector planning documents, including the National Food and Nutritional Security Strategy, updated to 2020 (Resolution No. 69/2015, 27 July). It highlights women’s role in family agriculture, the possibility of targeted policies for family producers, their capacity building to influence policy making, including women’s participation in policy forums. The Action Plan for Food and Nutritional Security (Resolution 68/2015, 27 July) aims to ensure the right to adequate food: it considers the possibility of a social pension for vulnerable groups to ensure access to food, and poor persons with special needs; income generating activities for poor families, especially female headed households; and the expansion of microcredit. Also, measures to reduce insufficiency in micronutrients, especially among pregnant women and children. Its budget foresees specific funds to promote gender equality.

144.The National Poverty Reduction Program has mainly targeted the rural population over the last few years. As a result of a gender audit conducted with support from the ICIEG, a Gender and Outreach Unit was established within the management team, introducing new strategies. During the Program cycle finalized in 2012, the beneficiaries totalled 37,917 persons (close to 30 per cent of the estimated poor rural population). The proportion of women beneficiaries was 51 per cent (19,389 women and 18,528 men). The program’s final evaluation recognized the impact of gender awareness-raising and capacity building, and targeting of female headed households. Gender was mainstreamed in data collection and treatment.

145.The current Program cycle (2013–2018) benefited 4,395 persons, 51 per cent women, from 2014 to 2016, through 381 economic micro projects and 409 social micro projects. Women are 53 per cent of beneficiaries of social micro projects and 47 per cent of economic micro projects. The mid-term evaluation of the Program highlights women’s good representation in economic micro-projects, a result achieved due to (i) the inclusion of a gender approach in planning processes of Regional Committees of Partners (CRP), (ii) the continuous awareness-raising for all actors (CRP, associations and other partners) by the Program’s Gender and Outreach Unit, and (iii) the participation of the Unit’s gender officer in quality control of gender mainstreaming in micro projects before their approval. Women are less represented in agriculture (34 per cent) and fishery micro projects (29 per cent), which might be associated with the smaller number of women that own arable land, as well as with deep rooted stereotypes within communities as to activities that are to be conducted by women and men. The evaluation noted the quality of micro projects and estimated 76 per cent have sustainability potential.

146.The Program also focused on capacity building and promotion of women’s participation. Between 2015 and 2016 CRP organized several trainings for Community Development Associations: 43 trainings were conducted for 994 persons, among which 478 women (48 per cent), on leadership, association management, conflict management, entrepreneurship, planning, project management and monitoring, gender equality, and the role of families in combating GBV. In terms of participation the Program established that at least 45 per cent of participants in community assemblies should be women: women’s participation in the 495 community assemblies conducted is 52 per cent. Women’s participation in CRP is also promoted, one of the decision-making levels: women’s proportion increased from 23 per cent in 2014 to 27 per cent in 2016. Slow progress is determined by women’s low presence in elected bodies of Community Development Associations (members of CRP). Women are (i) 37 per cent of General Assemblies of CRP, (ii) 21 per cent of CRP boards, (iii) 32 per cent of Audit Committees of CRP, and (iv) only 16 per cent of decision making bodies of Community Development Associations (76 out of a total of 472), data that indicates the need to continue awareness raising efforts with CRP and Associations.

147.Many NGO implement economic empowerment and income generating projects, several of which in rural areas, as do institutions such as MFIS, municipalities, Employment and Professional Training Centres, among others.

Land registration

148.Land registration operations are under way in Cabo Verde in 4 islands to guarantee secure land titles (Sal, Boavista, São Vicente, Maio) and the legal and regulatory framework approved in this context contains several dispositions to guarantee the rights of disadvantaged persons, which are often poor families headed by women. The Special Regime includes (i) measures to facilitate land legalization in informal settlements in urban areas, mainly occupied by poor families/persons, as well as informal settlements outside of urban areas; (ii) measures to facilitate redemption of rent like contracts (aforamento), enabling full land titling for less well-off families; (iii) administrative incentives (exemptions and reduction of notary and registry charges, and property transmission taxes), as well as waiving high cost procedures (such as middle registration on behalf of heirs in inheritance situations, or the obligation of publication in newspapers of inheritance procedures), as these various costs would prevent disadvantaged right holders from formalizing their rights.

149.In terms of gender equality, the Special Regime establishes that in situations of jointly owned property, acquired during marriage or de facto union, the name of the spouse/partner whose name is not mentioned in property documents be referenced in the land cadastre and registry. Nonetheless, in informal de facto unions, a very common situation in Cabo Verde, this requires formal recognition of the union, which dependents on the will of both partners. In most cases of jointly owned property with only one name on documents, it is the man’s name that is stated, which means women, in particular those in non-formalized de facto unions, are in a weaker position, due to lack of documents required to claim property rights.

150.The Special Regime establishes special responsibilities for entities (firms or other entities) implementing land cadastre operations, including land formalization support services for disadvantaged persons, in particular those in de facto union. In all 4 land cadastre operations, dedicated offices were established to this effect. To ensure capacity after the entities have finished cadastral work, training is scheduled for the last quarter of 2017, to strengthen the capacities of CSO, and institutions with responsibilities in land formalization (Register Office, Notary, Town Hall, National Institute for Territory Management, etc.) to address social and gender issues and inform right holders on how to document jointly owned property and claim the rights of the right holder that is not mentioned on documents, mainly women.

151.It should be noted that situations identified for future resettlement within land cadastre operations will have to be dealt with in compliance with international principle and standards of the Performance Standard 5, for Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement, established by the International Finance Corporation. A Resettlement and Restauration of Livelihoods Policy was prepared for land cadastre operations and takes gender issues into account.

Water and sanitation

152.In 2016, 74.5 per cent of rural households had access to drinking water, although1/4 of the rural population (25.5 per cent) still uses non-treated water sources (wells and springs). A greater proportion of rural households now receive water through the public network: 53.6 per cent in 2016 when this proportion was 43.3 per cent in 2010. Close to 13.5 per cent of rural households still obtain water through taps in distribution points, with an estimated average daily rate of 15 litres per person (between 7L and 25L per day, which is well below the daily recommended minimum of 40L per person). In terms of sanitation, 64.9 per cent of rural households have access to toilets at home and waste water removal system (42.2 per cent in 2010).

153.The water and sanitation sector has a gender sensitive legal and regulatory framework and policy framework. In October 2015 the new Water and Sanitation Code (CAS) (Legislative-decree No. 3/2015, 19 October) was approved: it identifies the most vulnerable population groups, defines participation as a principle as well as IEC. It foresees the development and implementation of equality plans by water and sanitation municipal facilities (Article 31º) and social and gender obligations in cases of concessions (Article 127º, 143º), as well as gender equality and social objectives for the projects financed through the Water and Sanitation Fund (Article 293º). Globally, it foresees that the water and sanitation sector planning takes into account gender equality and poverty reduction concerns (Article 94º).

154.Decree-law No. 26/2016 (12 April) establishes strategic guidelines for the water and sanitation tariff policy: it foresees price regulation, among others to promote universal access universal, especially among the poor and protecting gender equality. The regulatory framework for the tariff in being developed by the Economic Regulation Authority, including the proposal for a social tariff.

155.Key policies and strategies for the water and sanitation sector are explicit on gender equality. The National Strategic Plan for Water and Sanitation (Resolution No. 10/2015, 20 February) establishes 40 litres of water per person per day as the minimum target and the reduction of distances for water collection to 10 minutes maximum. Also the adoption of tariffs that take into account poor people; the reduction of disparities in access to water and sanitation between different communities, poor and non-poor, and female and male headed households; water and sanitation infrastructures that respect human dignity and integrity of men, women and children, both in domestic context and services; promote equitable representation of women and men in sector decision making; promote division of water and sanitation related tasks within the family; contribute to the reduction of water and sanitation related illnesses, with special attention to the most disadvantaged; ensure the sector’s institutions are accountable; and guarantee IEC for all social groups. A Social and Gender Strategy 2015-2020 has been developed for the sector.

156.At institutional level, the National Water and Sanitation Agency was created and has an Environmental, Social and Gender Mainstreaming Office, responsible for coordinating gender action and mainstreaming in the sector. Inter-municipal facilities, which are being established to manage water and sanitation services, are required to have a social and community liaison department. Municipal Environment, Water and Sanitation Committees, as well as Sanitation Divisions have social and gender mandates.

157.A Water and Sanitation Fund was established and the project selection criteria include social and gender aspects. The Social Access Fund is a sub-component of this Fund, aimed at promoting disadvantaged population’s access to water and toilet/sewage network connections, including female headed households, households with orphans, disabled/dependents and isolated older persons (urban, peri-urban and rural communities). It funded home network connections for 4,343 households, of which 2,790 headed by women (64 per cent) and their respective families (approximately 27,518 beneficiaries), many in rural communities.

Housing, education, health and access to justice

158.Housing, education, health and access to justice programs target disadvantaged women in general, including disadvantaged rural women. Progresses in these areas are presented in the next section, as well as sections on Education and Health.

Recommendation 14: Disadvantaged groups of women

159.The Government’s Program (2016) for the 9th legislative term sets forth explicit and encompassing measures to promote gender equality and social inclusion and commits to, over the next decade, “place care of dependents — children, elderly and persons with disabilities, which are traditionally considered the exclusive social mandate of families, at the centre of social inclusion and family support public policies, to promote gender equality and reconciliation of work and family life”.

160.The establishment of a National Care System has been initiated, focusing on children from 0 to 12 years (especially 0 to 3 years) and dependent elderly and persons with disabilities, aimed at decreasing the negative impact of the care crisis on social cohesion and contributing effectively to gender equality, though freeing women’s time, on the same basis as men, for their personal and professional development, as referred in paragraph 112, in the employment section.

161.A Gender Analysis of Social Policies was prepared beginning of 2016, linking statistics on time use and unpaid work of women in care activities, with an analysis of social protection’s legal framework, policies and institutional setup. This study also provided an analysis of the economic costs and benefits of a Care System, and its short term and long-term impact on economy, outlining the main features of the System. In July 2016 the MFIS organized a Dialogue on Social Protection and Social Policies in Cabo Verde, to debate several policy proposals, focusing on social components of the social protection system, including panels on Care Economy and Equality, Social Transfer Programs, Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for Social Protection Policies and Programs. The participants included directorates responsible for education, health, social security, employment, labour, finance, nutritional and food security, rural development and agriculture, social pensions, gender, immigration, CIGEF, INE, civil society, including trade unions; and Municipalities.

162.Resolution No. 89/2016 (23 December), established the Inter-ministry Group for the Design and Monitoring of the Access to Income, Education, Care and Health Program (PGA), responsible for the design of the PGA and monitoring of its progress. The PGA’s main components are (i) Inclusion Income Support, through direct transfers to vulnerable families, to ensure access to basic goods and services, (ii) Care System of dependents, through indirect transfers to families, establishing contracts with public and private organizations for the provision of care services, namely to children 0–3 years, elderly, disabled, and (iii) Access to Education and Health, through indirect transfers to families, establishing contracts with Town Halls for medication for non-contributory regime, and access of children from low income families to preschools.

163.Members of the Inter-ministerial Group were trained and prepared the National Care Plan, structured around 6 strategic objectives: (i) enlarge the support network for families dependent on care services, including a needs mapping at municipal level, and technical and financial support to care initiatives (including kindergartens and care of dependents); (ii) establish an administrative and normative framework for the care system; (iii) develop a care training plan, including the design of capacity strengthening curricula for kindergartens and assistants for care dependent adults, the establishment of a data base of professionals per municipality, the identification of women caregiver that can be professionalized; (iv) establish an internal and external communication network; (v) establish a management system for access, information and knowledge management; and (vi) guarantee the sustainable and solidarity funding of the system. The Plan, finalized in March 2017, is due to be scheduled for discussion at the Cabinet of Ministers.

164.Some of the Plan’s measures are under way, in particular those aimed at the generalization of access to preschool, under Education’s Strategic Plan, which foresees (i) the integration of preschool in the formal education system (4 to 5 years), (ii) the subsidization of poor families for the inclusion of all 4–6 year olds, (iii) the improvement of working conditions of preschool teachers (public and private schools) and career consolidation. The MoE is presently supporting the increase in the number of preschool facilities of Municipalities, NGO and religious entities, the payment of school fees for the poorest families, through the MFIS, the increase of preschool facilities that offer a hot meal, improvement of some infrastructures, and training grants for training of preschool teachers.

165.Cabo Verde is in the process establishing a Unified Social Registry of Beneficiaries of Social Protection, to enable the registration of vulnerable families as well as the full array of benefits they can receive under different vulnerability situations. The Social Registry will be a management and planning instrument, to evaluate gaps and overlaps in social protection programs and lines of action. Additionally, the Social Charter (describing the network of services and social structures in the country) is due to be updated and linked to the Social Registry.

166.Through Law No.26/VIII/2013 (21 January), which approves the Code for Fiscal Benefits (altered by Law No.102/VIII/2016, 6 January and the State Budget for year 2017), approved fiscal incentives for the creation of employment for persons with disabilities: in social sponsorship situations, for tax purposes, several activities are considers as expenses, namely activities of assistance to vulnerable persons (persons with disabilities or mental illness, sons of unemployed), the creation of work opportunities and the social reintegration of persons, families or groups socially excluded, support to the establishment of kindergartens and old age homes, support to associations of persons with disabilities or mental illness, thus stimulating donations to these initiatives. It also grants exemption of custom duties on importation of wheelchairs and adapted cars for physical disabled persons.

167.The Cape Verdean social protection system includes a non-contributory component, the social pension, managed by the National Social Pensions Centre. Its aim is to provide minimum living conditions to persons not covered by social security and it is divided in 3 modalities: basic pension, social pension due to incapacity and survival social pension. Over all 21.198 persons are covered, which corresponds to 43 per cent of the population with 60 years of age or above. The old age social pension covers 17.030 persons, the pension due to incapacity 3.997 and the pension for survivors of spouse 171 persons. Women represent 70.2 per cent of beneficiaries and men 29.8 per cent, with a very significant proportion from rural areas; women are the majority in all 3 types of pension, but especially so for the elderly pension, reflecting women’s greater vulnerability. Indeed, women are the majority of older population, and they are more likely to have been out of the labour force, or when they were part of the labour force, more likely to have worked in the informal sector, thus with less access to contributory social security. ILO recently considered Cabo Verde as a “successful experience of expansion of social protection” and one of the most advanced nations in Africa in the establishment of a social protection floor.

168.Ordinance No.7/2017 (6 March) establishes grant procedures for professional training provided by the MFIS: persons with disabilities and from low income families are potential beneficiaries. Support can be provided up to 80 per cent of total training costs, and up to 100 per cent in situations of extreme poverty and disability.

169.The legal framework of housing of social interest considers women’s role as head of household. Women headed households represent 58 per cent of beneficiaries that were allocated houses by the program Housing for All (676). The program determines that 5 per cent of all houses are adapted and prepared for wheelchairs and have adequate accessibility: this rule has been applied during the building and allocation phase, and these houses are exclusively reserved for people with such needs.

170.As for protection against violence, abuse and exploitation, the CCD presents existing appeal mechanisms and reparation mechanisms (section D, in particular paragraphs 168 to 178). Paragraphs 190 and 191 (CCD) refer measures to promote access to justice and rights. The sections on stereotypes and harmful practices and violence against women also refer other measures.

Women with disabilities

171.The CCD describes the measures implemented to ensure non-discrimination of people with disabilities (paragraphs 235 to 248). Additionally, the Decree-law No. 27/2015 (published 6 May 2015), establishes rules and principles for the protection and assistance to persons with reduced mobility in air transport, men and women: transport cannot be refused based on the person’s disabilities or limited mobility, except for security reasons, as foreseen by law and justified.

172.Also, to promote labour market access for persons with disabilities, including women, and in fulfilment of article 30 of Law No. 40/VIII/2013 (published 17 September), the Decree-law No.38/2015 (published 29 July) regulates selection and recruitment procedures, both for entry in Public Administration and decision making positions, establishing quota for persons with disabilities (article 29): for external recruitment processes a 5 per cent quota is foreseen, with the exception of police and public security careers and prison security. No systematic data is however available presently on the number of persons with disabilities in Public Administration.

173.To promote the integration of people with disabilities, including women, in teaching establishments at all levels of education, the State Budget for 2017 (Law No. 5/IX/2016, 30 December), establishes persons with disabilities’ free enrolment and attendance in state schools (preschool, elementary, secondary, higher education and professional training), starting academic year 2017/2018, as well as private schools (conditions to be established by the Government — article 41).

174.In 2013 the MoH reviewed the National Health Developme nt Plan 2021–2016 (Resolution No. 117/2013, 19 November), to guarantee the mainstreaming of gender and disabilities. A training session on Equity in Health Sector Planning and Action was also conducted to ensure that central planning staff and decentralized decision makers can analyse sex specific health needs to ensure better health outcomes, especially in SRH. Access ramps, to facilitate access of persons with disabilities to health services, have been built in all health facilities.

175.In 2016 several children (20) were identified as having microcephaly, the large majority of which born after the Zika virus outbreak (October 2015): the 75 pregnant women infected by the virus were closely monitored by the health services and babies received special health attention, in terms of neurological and psychomotor evaluation, and the establishment of a psychomotor rehabilitation and physiotherapy program. Families, in particular mothers, are receiving counselling to ensure a good understanding of microcephaly and support with early stimulation, as well as social support, including a social pension and support for immediate needs. Specific televisions and radio spots were issued on microcephaly, appealing to the care and love children require, as any other child. The strategy for the dissemination of Zika prevention information in communities also mainstreamed a gender approach: NGOs working on women’s SRH and rights (OMCV, MORABI and VERDEFAM) were involved in IEC and 3 Sexual and Reproductive Health, GBV and Zika projects were supported (Santiago, Maio, Fogo, Sal and Boavista, mostly in rural communities). Information and awareness raising sessions (69 sessions, reaching 7,677 participants, men and women) linked information on Zika to social gender relations (ex. gender stereotypes that attribute almost exclusively care work to women, power relations and decision making on sexual health, etc.) and, in sessions in schools, teenage pregnancy issues were addressed. The sessions were preceded by 6 training workshops covering these issues, with NGO local activists and kindergarten teachers, teachers and members of APIMUD.

176.APIMUD, created in 2015, defends and promotes the rights and interests of women with disabilities, with strong advocacy messages in several fora. It is based in Praia and has established cells in the islands of Sal and Santo Antão. Through a partnership with the Town Hall of Praia (provided a space) and other entities, it established its headquarters, as well as a Print shop and Diner, small businesses that provide jobs to 2 women with disabilities. With the support of the MFIS, APIMUD implemented a project to promote self-employment of 10 women with disabilities, training them in tailoring: a cooperative to market products is being established.

Female headed households

177.The CCD presents data on female headed households (paragraphs 19 and 20). Measures to improve their situation include the above-mentioned establishment of a Care System, under way. Sections on rural women and employment also make reference to this group, now addressed more systematically in public policy.

Older women

178.The CCD presents data and measures undertaken to ensure non-discrimination and equality of older people (paragraphs 249 to 255), while the care system and social pension have already been referred above. Additionally the National Strategic Plan for Active Aging and Care 2017– 2021 is being developed.

Women immigrants

179.The CCD presents data and measures referring to immigrants (paragraphs 256 to 268); trainings within the PISI for women immigrants (referred in paragraph 267 of CCD) included topics on human rights, rights and duties of immigrants and notions of labour rights. Women immigrants expressed concerns in relation to difficulties in regularization of immigrants in Cabo Verde and obstacles for health services (costs, language and taboos linked to maternity, family planning, STI), recognizing the importance of using to SRH services, especially for giving birth.

180.Out of the 23 integration projects supported by the General Directorate for Immigration under the PISI project, from 2013 to 2017, 46 per cent of beneficiaries were women and 4 civil society project from 2015/2016 specifically targeted the economic empowerment of immigrant women: the NGO African Renaissance — Association of West African Women implemented an Intercultural Facilitation Project targeting 30 immigrant women, including their training as kitchen assistants and in hairdressing; the Senegalese Association implemented a Project for the Promotion of Self-Employment in local product transformation and conservation, benefiting 15 immigrant women; the Casamance Association, working on Handicraft and Jewellery, benefited 25 immigrant women; and the Muslim Women Association, within a SRH Project, organized its activities around professional training in cooking/pastry, benefiting 20 immigrant women.

Other groups of women

181.Measures in relation to HIV positive women are referred paragraphs 134–140.

Recommendation 15: Marriage and family relations

182.The Land Cadastre Operations conducted in the islands of Sal, Maio, São Vicente and Boavista (referenced in paragraphs 148–151) included a comprehensive communication campaign on women’s property rights and the issues that arise related to marriage, informal de facto union, divorce, widowhood, as well as the legal provisions that protect these rights. The campaign targeted right holders, women and men, CSO activists, cultural and sports groups, religious denominations, community leaders, immigrants and key employers in each island; the aim was to ensure a good understanding of property rights of women, as well as existing limitations, which include de facto polygamy situations. An in-depth training was conducted for CSOs, to build their capacity to disseminate information to their beneficiaries and conduct advocacy. A new round of training is planned for the last quarter of 2017.

183.Measures implemented to support single mothers are presented in the section on disadvantaged groups of women.

Recommendation 16: Data collection

184.Considerable progress has been made in terms of disaggregated data collection, treatment, analysis and dissemination and gender specific indicators. A gender focal point was established at the INE and the partnership between INE, ICIEG and CIGEF was strengthened, including in terms of joint work to mainstream a gender approach into key statistical operations.

185.Based on the Census (2010) data set, INE published for the first time a specific gender report: Feminine, masculine and gender relations: analysis of the Census 2010 data, which was launched and disseminated in 2014. INE also published the same year the report on the Time Use and Unpaid Work survey (2012).

186.To improve justice and security sector statistics, INE established a unit to work with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Superior Council of Public Prosecutors and the Superior Council of the Judiciary. As a result, sector statistics were formalized and the quality of indicators improved. During the 1st Seminar on Justice and Security Statistics, attended by all data producers, a decision was made to prioritize gender and child protection statistics. In 2016 the report C abo Verde, Justice and Security in Figures (2015) was published and presents data on GBV cases, sexual assault, child and minor sexual abuse, the profile of victims and perpetrators, and the situation of judicial GBV cases, in addition to other sex disaggregated indicators. Since 2011/2012 the Superior Council of Public Prosecutors introduced GBV as 1 of 2 crimes to be tracked and included in the Report on the Status of Justice, presented annually to the National Assembly.

187.Data desegregation of administrative and survey data by sex, age, urban/rural, level of comfort continues to be promoted. The preparatory work for the Agricultural Census (2015) mainstreamed gender. In July 2017, the questionnaires for the 3rd Demographic and Reproductive Health Survey were revised to ensure key indicators can be produced, including GBV ones, as well a variable on disability. Questions on ownership of property (land or housing) were also introduced.

188.In terms of dissemination, the 2nd pocket booklet Women and Men in Cabo Verde: facts and figures was published in 2013, compiling statistics from 2009–2012 and a 3rd in 2015, launched on African Statistics Day, covering the 2012–2014 period. The 2017 edition is about to be published. The PNIG (2015–2018) includes updated key indicator tables per key sector/area.

189.ICIEG is working with the National Planning Directorate to ensure the PEDS mainstreams a gender approach and gender indicators in the logical frameworks of PEDS programs, both sex desegregated indicators and gender specific ones.

190.The following constraints have limited the in-depth analysis of the situation of specific groups of women: for rural women the Agricultural Census was conducted as planned, but results have not been published and this delay means that the country does not have up to date information on rural women, in all dimensions. For poor women, the preliminary data of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (2015) was presented end of 2016 (overall trends in poverty), however the detailed data has not been made available yet, limiting in depth gender analysis of poverty.

191.During the period under review several studies were conducted with specific groups, as reported in previous sections. Progress in information systems in several sectors, as reported, will bring added value for data on specific groups and/or issues.

Recommendation 17: Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action

192.The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action are important references at national level and are part of the monitoring framework for gender equality: an implementation report was prepared in 2014 (Beijing+20) through a participative and inclusive process, enabling a wide dissemination of the overall framework. The Beijing review process was associated to the MDG monitoring process and was a key advocacy moment: ICIEG coordinated a working group for the elaboration of the MDG3 progress and Report and Acceleration Plan, with representatives from 11 key institutions/sectors. ICIEG also integrated the working groups for MDG 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6, guaranteeing gender mainstreaming into the review process. The plenary session, chaired by the Minister of Finance and counting on the participation of other Ministers, included a presentation/discussion on gender equality as a crosscutting issue contributing to the results on all MDGs. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office, a Strategic Dialogue on gender equality achievements and challenges linked the MDG discussion to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a wider framework than MDG3.

Recommendation 18: Dissemination and implementation

193.As referred in the CCD (paragraph 217), the process of elaboration of CEDAW reports and the reception of CEDAW Committee recommendations are considered key moments for the identification of progresses, persisting challenges and priorities that should be reflected in sectoral planning. Such reviews are undertaken with stakeholders that have institutional responsibilities in CEDAW implementation and CSO. In 2013, the final observation and recommendations were translated to Portuguese; a special Parliament session was conducted, on CEDAW recommendations and the implementation of the GBV Law, in partnership with the RMPCV. At executive level the Cabinet of Ministers conducted a thematic meeting, highlighting the need for all governmental sectors to implement the Convention and recommendations. Recommendations were shared with relevant sectors and a pocket booklet published, containing the full CEDAW text, Cabo Verde’s report, list of questions and answers, and final observations and recommendations received. In 2014 CEDAW recommendations were published in ICIEG’s 2014 Agenda.

194.The large majority of activities mentioned in this report are grounded in CEDAW recommendations and this link is made explicit to different participants.

195.The present reporting process was launched through a specific workshop in May, that enabled a new round of dissemination of the country’s obligations and of CEDAW recommendations received in 2013, among representatives from different sectors, institutions, CSO and partners, many of which also participate in the national planning exercise under way for the elaboration of the PEDS.

Recommendation 19: Ratification of other treaties

196.On the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, please refer to paragraph 156 of the CCD.

Recommendation 20: Follow-up to concluding observations

197.One constraint over the period under review was the lack of understanding of the nature of the follow-up procedure established by the CEDAW Committee. Thus, although correspondence was exchanged with the Committee, Cabo Verde did not present written information on the measures implemented in relation to the recommendations signalled in paragraphs 23 and 29 (c) of the concluding observations of the Committee (CEDAW/C/CPV/CO/7-8). During the preparation of the present specific report, this new mechanism was better assimilated, and the information requested is provided within this report.

198.In order to improve the country’s compliance with reporting obligations under Human Rights International Conventions ratified by Cabo Verde, in 2017 a specific mechanism was established, the Inter-ministry Commission for the Elaboration of National Reports (Resolution No.55/2017, 15 June), composed of representatives of governmental departments, with the responsibility, among others, of promoting dialogue with CSO and human rights institutions for the elaboration of reports.

II.Implementation of the Convention

199.Part I of the report (on implementation of recommendations) provides information on most of the progress achieved, over the period under review, on all CEDAW’s substantive articles. As such, Part II only presents information in addition to those already reported in recommendations.

Part I: articles 1 to 6 — Definitions and obligations

Article 1 and 2 — Legal measures to eliminate discrimination against women

200.During the period under review Cabo Verde approved new legislation in many domains that contribute to strengthen the protection of women’s rights. Many have already been referenced in Part I of the report and a summary table of those already referred is provided (Annex I).

201.Additionally, Ordinance No. 25/2013, published 17 April, relative to women’s performance of military service, establishes the principle of equality between military women and men and specifically addresses maternity protection. The selection process of women who voluntarily want to perform military service must respects the same model applied to men, which can be adapted to take into account specific needs of women, without jeopardy of principles of equality, opportunity and impartiality, which are core to the selection process.

202.The Action Plan for the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour (Resolution No. 43/2014, published 2 June) has girls as one of its primary groups of special attention, considering undeclared work, for which they are at special risk. Law No. 113/VIII/ 2016 approves the National List of Hazardous Child Labour and regulates its application: the ICCA, Labour General Directorate and Labour General Inspection are responsible for special attention to hidden labour that exposes girls, in particular, to risks, as well children with specific needs.

203.Resolution 80/2014 (7 October), establishes the core principles for public enterprise management, aimed at improved transparency and efficiency, for the 2014–2016 term: among others, managers are to develop and implement equality plans to promote equality of opportunities and treatment between men and women, the elimination of discrimination, and the conciliation of work and family life.

204.Resolution No. 135/VIII/2015, published 23 June, approves the ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty, adopted by the UN General Assembly Resolution No. 67/234 in April 2013, that includes the responsibility of exporting State parties to assess the risk of arms being used to commit or facilitate serious acts of GBV, violence against women and children (article 7).

205.Resolution No. 144/VII/2015, published 13 August approves the ratification of the African Maritime Transport Charter, which foresees Member State’s obligation to promote of gender equality and adopt policies that vigorously promote economic opportunities, recruitment, placement, promotion and progression of women in the maritime sector (article 37); and the enactment of relevant legislation to accelerate women’s empowerment in the maritime sector, including encouragement of specific education and mentoring training of women at all levels.

206.Resolution No. 100/2015 (15 October) approves the National Action Plan for Renewable Energies 2015–2020/2030 which identifies health risks for women and children associated with traditional cooking practices using wood, and the need to promote access to electricity as an alternative, which will also support income generating activities. The information system to monitor renewable energy and energy efficiency, to be established, foresees the monitoring and analysis of social and gender aspects.

207.Resolution No. 6/2016 (28 January) approved the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Statistics 2015–2021: one of its objectives is guaranteeing sex disaggregated data on agriculture and livestock, including area, productivity and livestock number, to be in effect with the V Agriculture Census.

208.The Science Policy Letter (2016–2020) (Resolution No. 47/2016, published 15 April), considers gender equality as a principle for the Science, Technology and Innovation policy and that its initiatives need to promote social inclusion, ensuring access to all, specially youth, women and other groups at risk of exclusion.

209.Decree-law No. 49/2016, published 27 September establishes the new structure, organization and operation norms of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the National Environment Directorate has as one of its objectives ensuring mainstreaming of a social and gender approach in environmental strategic planning.

210.Decree-law No. 48/2016 (27 September), establishes the new structure, organization and operation norms of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Territorial Planning and Housing: its Department of Management of Procurement, Assets and Human Resources is responsible for promoting parity and professional equality between men and women, and equal opportunities in access to posts in the Ministry.

211.Resolution No. 8/2016 (5 February) established the National Council for the Development of Micro and Small Enterprises, integrating 4 representatives of youth and women’s micro and small enterprises; its mandate is to ensure coherence between economic development policies and sectoral plans/programs, and propose measures to stimulate, coordinate and evaluate micro and small enterprises policies.

Article 3 — Full development and advancement of women

212.As referred to in paragraph 16, the National Plan for Gender Equality (PNIG 2015–2018), was developed in 2014 (approved by Resolution No. 40/2016, published 23 March). It is structured around 8 strategic pillars: (1) Health, (2) Sexual and Reproductive Rights, (3) GBV (which count on a specific action plan, the PNVBG), (4) Education and professional training, (5) Productive economy, (6) Reproductive economy, (7) Political participation, decision making and communication, (8) Institutional strengthening towards improved gender mainstreaming in public policies.

213.The Government’s Program is explicit on the importance of gender equality for the country’s development: 2 of the 11 “commitments for the decade” specifically address gender issues, while several others refer social inclusion issues; it makes references to root causes of gender inequality and sets forth Cabo Verde’s intention of being a reference on gender equality and social inclusion matters; there is commitment to gender mainstreaming in all spheres of governance, a care system agenda, and the formulation and implementation of gender responsive budgets. It provides guidance on policies for women friendly urban infrastructures and housing, gender equality in education, health and employment, the promotion of a work environment that is non-discriminatory, the positive discrimination of rural development, GBV combat and the promotion of women’s participation in public life. A rapid assessment of the Government’s Program shows it is well aligned with SGDs, in particular in the case of SDG 5.

214. The PEDS, formulated based on the Government’s Program, is being finalized and contains specific gender sections and mainstreamed a gender approach.

Article 4 — Special measures

215.Please refer to the Recommendation 5 (paragraphs 22 and 23 of present report).

Article 5 — Sex Role Stereotyping and Prejudice

216.The UN Free and Equal Campaign counts on the participation of a high-profile Cape Verdean singer — Mayra Andrade, along Brazilian singer Maria Gadú, and it was launched in the country in 2016. In previous years, several campaign initiatives were conducted to raise awareness on sexual and gender diversity and promote equal rights and fair treatment of LGBTi persons: support was provided to the establishment of a LGBTi association in Praia, debates around the documentary T x indas (about the life of a notorious Cape Verdean transgender person) were organized in schools, universities and cinemas, a LGBTi pride parade was held in Praia, a radio program was aired on International Day against Homophobia counting on the participation of human rights specialists and LGBTi persons, among others. In February 2017, ICIEG and the Journalists Association of Cabo Verde organized a training workshop for 20 journalists from all parts of the country on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, to ensure a human rights based coverage of LGBTi issues in the media.

Article 6 — Prostitution

217.Please refer to Recommendation 8 in particular paragraph 59 and paragraphs 72 to 76.

Part II: articles 7 to 9 — Public and political life

218.Progress achieved in the domain of political and public life (article 7) is reported under Recommendation 9 (paragraphs 77 to 84).

219.On articles 8 (Representation) and 9 (Nationality), nothing new to report.

Part III: articles 10 to 14 — Economic and social rights

Article 10 — Education

220.CIGEF is implementing a capacity building program for university staff, both lecturers and administrative staff, to promote better gender mainstreaming in teaching and investigation at the University, and a gender sensitive organizational culture. In 2016, 73 students, 4 lectures and 33 administrative staff were trained in all 3 campuses of the University. Four courses at UniCV already include gender modules or contents.

Article 11 — Employment

221.The proportion of domestic workers covered by Social Security is still low (9.5 per cent in 2015), as such in 2017 the National Social Security Institute started a TV campaign on the right of domestic workers to social security, a professional category almost exclusively feminine.

Article 12 — Health

222.Please see progress reported under Recommendation 12 (paragraphs 126–140).

Article 13 — Economic and Social Benefits

223.The Ministry of Sports has proposed the introduction of gender parity in sports bodies as criteria for the signature of program contracts between the Government and National Sports Federations, a measure to promote gender equality in decision making in the sports sector, which is due to be discussed at the next Sports Council.

224.The National Olympic Committee organized the 1st National Forum on Women in Sports in March 2017, and a training workshop on Women’s Leadership in Sports. The Committee established a specific commission for the promotion of women is sports and implements a specific program to that end at national level.

Article 14 — Rural women

225.Please see progress reported under Recommendation 13 (paragraphs 141–158).

Part IV: articles 15 and 16 — Equality before the law and in the home

226.On articles 15 and 16 (Law, Marriage and Family Life), nothing new to report.

III.Revision of the implementation of the outcomes of United Nations conferences and summits

227.On Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, please see recommendation 17.

228.A retreat of members of government was conducted in 2016 on the SDG framework and how to integrate it in national planning, especially the PEDS.

229.Internally, in 2016, the report “Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security: Cabo Verde ’ s experience in the Defence Sector” was presented and discussed at the Permanent Secretariat on Defence Issues. An advocacy plan is being implemented with the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces, to promote the implementation of Resolution 1325 and the elaboration of an Action Plan. A technical mission to support national efforts was agreed during the session of the Working Group on Women, Peace and Security in West Africa (referred paragraph 71 of the present report).