New boost for the fight against gender-based violence in Cape Verde

Launch of the project that strengthens prevention, care and support for victims in Praia.

The city of Praia, on the island of Santiago – Cape Verde, was the scene of a great moment: the public presentation of the project “Strengthening the Spaces and Capacities of Care, Prevention and Reintegration of Victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in five islands of Cape Verde”, held on September 30, 2025.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the protection, comprehensive care and reintegration of women victims of violence, as well as to strengthen institutional capacities throughout the country.

The event held at the Palmarejo Squadron brought together a wide representation of government institutions such as: Ministry of Family, Inclusion and Social Development; Ministry of Justice.

Representing the General Directorate of Penitentiary Services and Social Reintegration were: ICIEG; ICCA; Praia Municipal Chamber; Boa Vista Municipal Chamber and the Embassy of Spain in Cape Verde.

Civil society organizations such as OMCV and APIMUD; artists like DJ Streladuh; and private companies (Grupo Barceló) demonstrate that collaboration and combined efforts are the foundation for moving towards a society free of violence and discrimination.

The day began with a warm welcome ceremony , followed by opening speeches that set the tone for the morning:

• Victoria Seoane Rodicio, Coordinator of the FRS in Cape Verde, highlighted the importance of working from a comprehensive approach, uniting prevention, care and reintegration.
• Odair Pedro, Director General of Penitentiary Services and Social Reintegration, emphasized the role of justice and rehabilitation in the fight against gender-based violence.
• Ana Paredes, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Cape Verde, reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to gender equality and human rights.
• Lídia Lima, Secretary of State for Social Inclusion, celebrated the inter-institutional cooperation and the creation of strong support networks.

 The event focused on gaining an in-depth understanding of the five major results.

These will shape the implementation of the project and its impact on the entire archipelago:

• 1- Institutional strengthening and technical training in the treatment of cases on VG: The trainer Margareth da Luz shared the training lines developed in the first phase of the project between 2023 and 2025 and afterwards a collaboration protocol was signed with the Barceló Group, represented by its director, Javier Senís Fernández, consolidating a strategic alliance between the private sector and social commitment since all the logistics of the training are ensured by the Barceló Praia hotel.

• 2. Creation of four shelters for vulnerable women and victims of gender-based violence and their dependent children: This milestone was attended by Suely Carvalho, Councilor for Social Reintegration, Social Action, Senior Citizens, Health, and Gender at the Praia Municipal Chamber, together with the legal representative of the Congregação das Filhas do Sagrado Coração de Maria (CFSCM), Sister Antonia Barros; Deputy National Director of the National Police, José Cabral; President of the ICCA, Zaida Freitas; and President of the ICIEG, Marisa Carvalho.

All institutions reaffirmed their commitment to protecting and supporting victims. Specifically, the municipal councils are committed to maintaining the physical spaces and paying the monthly electricity, water, gas, and communication bills; the ICIEG is committed to covering all expenses for victims and their dependents; the ICCA is committed to supporting dependents; and the National Police is committed to protecting and ensuring the safety of victims and their dependents within the shelters.

• 3- Creation of social and employment pathways for women who are victims and in vulnerable situations on the five islands: The Executive Administrator of the Institute for Employment and Professional Training (IEFP), Evna Fonseca, presented the professional training plan, including the signing of a protocol for training in aesthetics in Boa Vista, which began on September 16, an opportunity to promote economic autonomy and social reintegration.

 

• 4- Strengthening the National Social Reintegration Plan for perpetrators of gender-based violence, a key area of work for the Ministry of Justice. The Director General of Prison Services and Social Reintegration, Odair Pedro, signed a collaboration protocol that will promote rehabilitation and reintegration actions from a restorative justice approach.

• 5- Community awareness and communication for social change: Young artist DJ Streladuh joins the project to support community awareness under the title “Estrela Solidária Zero VBG” (Solidarity Star Zero GBV), signing a collaboration protocol with the project to amplify the message of zero tolerance for violence. In addition, CORES CEO Anildo de Pina presented the new Zero VBG website, a digital platform created to inform, educate, and mobilize citizens.

The event concluded with a sense of pride, excitement, and shared hope.

The union of so many committed institutions and individuals reflects that the fight against gender-based violence knows no borders, but rather has a common purpose: “to guarantee the dignity, safety, and equality of all women”.

Every word, every signature, and every round of applause on this day resonated as a renewed commitment to a future with Zero GBV.

 

A true success that marks the beginning of a new stage of collaboration , action and hope in Cape Verde!