To what extent do climate policies in Cabo Verde incorporate a gender perspective? How does the population perceive climate impacts through a gender lens? What are the best strategies for more targeted, inclusive, and effective climate governance? Based on these guiding questions, the study “Gender and Climate Change in Cabo Verde”—conducted under the cooperation protocol signed between ICIEG and the Climate Action Programme—offers a detailed analysis of the intersection between gender inequalities and climate impacts in the archipelago, presenting a set of good practices inspired by impactful international case studies.

The study was structured according to the complementary phases of the Climate Change Gender Action Plan (ccGAP) model, adapted to the reality of Cabo Verde:

Figure 1 – Sequence of phases for the development of the Study
(Source: p. 23, Study on Gender and Climate Change, 2025)

Among the study phases, special emphasis is placed on participatory meetings to gather perceptions through discussion circles held in the pilot municipalities of the Climate Action Programme (Brava, Praia, Boa Vista, and Ribeira Brava), involving civil society organizations and local structures, as well as the participatory workshop with public institutions, civil society, and gender and climate experts, held on May 13 in the city of Praia.

Figure 2 – Group photo from the participatory workshop on Gender and Climate Change, Praia.

The study’s findings show that Cabo Verde has a national climate governance framework that recognizes gender equality as a cross-cutting principle. However, the research highlights the need to operationalize this recognition, particularly through the definition of indicators and the production and use of sex-disaggregated data. Regarding public perceptions of climate impacts, the study reveals “a clear awareness of climate impacts, particularly concerning the challenges faced by rural women. These include the burden of unpaid labor, difficulties in accessing water and food, and exclusion from decision-making processes. Nonetheless, women are widely recognized for their resilience and essential practical knowledge in resource management, emerging as key actors in community adaptation processes. Paradoxically, their presence in leadership roles remains limited due to structural barriers linked to a patriarchal system” (p. 11).

The public presentation of the study took place on July 8, as part of the Forum on Gender and Climate Change, held on July 8–9 at the Government Palace, Praia. The hybrid forum (in-person and online), organized in partnership with the Climate Action Programme and the National Secretariat for Climate Action (SNAC), provided the stage for unveiling the study, featuring three thematic panels (with representatives from public institutions and civil society organizations), case studies of good practices at the gender-climate intersection (e.g., the POSER Programme and the Ecofeminism Movement), and a closing keynote speech by renowned Professor José Carlos dos Anjos (UniCV and UFRGS).

Finally, the study concludes that “the full integration of gender considerations is essential for the effectiveness and sustainability of climate policies in Cabo Verde. Qualitative analysis and field testimonies show that gender equity is not only a matter of social justice but a strategic imperative for the country’s climate resilience. Evidence highlights the unique value of women’s practical experience—particularly their intimate knowledge of family and community dynamics—in shaping effective adaptive solutions to climate change” (p. 13). As the report underscores, “the time to act is now: ignoring the intersection between gender and climate would mean wasting a strategic opportunity to strengthen national resilience. The full participation of all citizens, regardless of gender, is a prerequisite for sustainable and economically robust development in the face of growing climate crises”* (ibid).

Figure 3 – Mónica Furtado (Social3, lead consulting firm for the study) and Anilsa Gonçalves (ICIEG Coordinator) during the public presentation of the study at the Forum on Gender and Climate Change.

Author

Anilsa Gonçalves, PhD
Coordinator for Decision-Making Autonomy, ICIEG