A new shelter, new hope for Cape Verde

The first shelter for vulnerable women and victims of violence opens its doors in Praia.

The city of Praia was the scene of a historic moment for Cape Verde: the official opening of the Shelter for Vulnerable Women and Victims of Gender Violence , a safe and dignified space intended to offer protection, support and hope to women and their dependents in vulnerable situations.

The creation of this house constitutes an unprecedented milestone in the fight for equality and the eradication of gender violence in the country, as the most populated municipality of Cape Verde now has a stable and sustainable resource that offers comprehensive support to the women who need it most.

During the event held on October 17th , the operating protocol for the shelter was signed . This agreement between the Praia City Council, the ICCA, the ICIEG, and the project guarantees its continuity and sustainability. Following this, a commemorative plaque was unveiled , a deeply moving moment shared by all those present. A guided tour of the facilities then took place , offering a close look at the spaces where, from now on, 20 women and children can begin a new chapter in their lives in safe, supportive, and respectful conditions. The gathering concluded with a coffee break, providing an opportunity for fellowship and celebration.

More than fifty representatives from institutions and social organizations participated in the ceremony, reflecting the strength of a network committed to the cause. Among them were members of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation ( AECID) in Cape Verde , representatives from various municipal councils (Praia, Tarrafal, and Boa Vista) , the Ministry of Justice , the Ministry of Health , the National Police , the Judicial Police , as well as representatives from civil society organizations such as the Organization of Women of Cape Verde (OMCV) , Colmeia , Verdefam , the Association of Women Jurists , the Donana Foundation, Coopera NGO , and other entities dedicated to promoting human rights, gender equality, and social justice.

Also present were the local partners, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary, the Capuchin Friars of Cape Verde and the project team, along with collaborating artists of the project (DJ Streladuh and Flavio Lúcio), as well as the project ambassador, Trakinuz, who actively collaborate in raising awareness against gender violence, using culture as a tool for social transformation.

The Praia Shelter was created as a model of inter-institutional collaboration and social sustainability , the result of joint work between public entities, religious organizations, and civil society. Its opening represents a firm commitment to guaranteeing the right of all women to live free from violence and a concrete contribution to strengthening protection systems in Cape Verde.

With this inauguration, we reaffirm our commitment to dignity, justice, and equity , working alongside our local partners to build safer, more supportive, and people-centered communities. Because when the doors of a home like this open, new possibilities for change and hope also open up.