Nurturing equality: a deep dive into Cabo Verde's quest to close the gender earnings gap

In the vibrant streets of Cabo Verde, a young single mother named Kátia Tavares found herself grappling with a reality shared by many women in the country. Limited hours of work, an income hovering below the poverty line, unpaid care work at home and a gender earnings gap that loomed over her aspirations. Kátia's journey, however, took a transformative turn when she became a part of the Government's productive inclusion program, a World Bank-financed initiative that set the stage for her inspiring leap into a traditionally male-dominated field—plumbing.

Kátia's narrative encapsulates the intricate layers of the gender earnings gap in Cabo Verde, where economic participation and subsequent earnings still bear the imprints of gender disparities. In a country where nearly half of the households are headed by women, progress in education, health, and political representation is commendable. However, the economic arena still echoes with persistent inequalities, ranking Cabo Verde 31st in Africa on the Gender Equality Index.

The Unequal Landscape: A closer look at data reveals a complex scenario, with men dominating economic participation in most sectors. Yet, there are exceptions—retail, the hotel industry, and paid domestic work, where women carve out a space despite high levels of informality. The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the vulnerability of these sectors, emphasizing the urgent need to address gender disparities in economic participation.

Bearing the Burden: Unpaid care and domestic work emerge as significant hurdles, with women shouldering the majority of care activities and household responsibilities. A staggering 93% of non-employed women cite family duties as the primary reason for staying out of the labor market, creating a considerable opportunity cost, particularly in rural areas.

Pathways to Progress: Cabo Verde's gender pay gap report unveils a roadmap to address these challenges, advocating for a multi-sectoral approach. Here are five key strategies:

Alleviating the Burden of Unpaid Care: by reducing the burden of unpaid care and domestic work through initiatives like childcare facilities and childcare credits, Cabo Verde aims to expand the space occupied by women in the labor market.

Empowering Through Vocational Training: diversifying vocational training options and enhancing life skills can open doors to higher-paying jobs for women. Encouraging women to venture into traditionally male-dominated fields emerges as a key factor in boosting their earnings.

Embracing Technology for Economic Empowerment: the widespread adoption of new technologies, including mobile banking and other applications, holds the potential to standardize earnings and reduce wage disparities in service-related sectors where women are prominent.

Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Cabo Verde has taken strides in legal reforms, including the Parity Law (2019), to promote women's participation and access to resources. Ensuring these provisions are reflected in institutional arrangements is crucial for women's rights and social protection.

Lifecycle Analysis for Precision: an age-profile analysis, integrating the life cycle, provides a nuanced understanding of individuals' situations. This approach allows for precise gender analysis, leading to more effective strategies to bridge gaps in earnings and employment.

As Cabo Verde navigates the intricate terrain of gender economics, the stories of resilient women like Kátia Tavares illuminate the path to a more inclusive and equitable future.

Kátia was offered quality courses in financial literacy and business skills, as well as a menu of vocational training such as cooking, beauty care and plumbing. Kátia chose plumbing – a traditionally male dominated field. “With plumbing,” she remarks “I can charge 1,500 escudos for a toilet installation and a complete bathroom is 9 thousand escudos.”  In her previous clothing sale activities, Kátia only made a maximum of 500 escudos a day, with many days proving unprofitable.

The journey involves dismantling barriers, empowering women through education and skills, and embracing a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of work, family, and societal progress. In the heart of Cabo Verde's quest to close the gender earnings gap, a collective effort is underway to nurture equality and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.