On December 4, a coalition of civil society organizations in Guinea-Bissau launched the “Women’s Observatory” initiative, a project designed to promote research, advocacy, and influence public policies on women’s issues. Supported by Portuguese cooperation through the Camões Institute, the observatory aspires to deepen understanding of the challenges faced by Guinean women while championing their political, economic, and social rights.
This collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Guinean League of Human Rights, ACEP (Association for Cooperation Between Peoples), AMPROCS (Association of Professional Women in Social Communication), Miguilan (Mindjeris Di Guiné Nô Lanta, or “Women of Guinea, We Rise”), and the House of Rights, aims to shed light on critical issues such as domestic violence, barriers to decision-making opportunities, and systemic challenges to women’s empowerment.
Guerri Gomes, a board member of the Human Rights League, highlighted that the three-year initiative will focus on collecting comprehensive data on factors that undermine the well-being and opportunities of women and girls, from childhood to adulthood. “The observatory will provide crucial insights into the realities faced by women in Guinea-Bissau,” Gomes stated.
Nelvina Barreto, a prominent activist and former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized the transformative potential of the project. Speaking on behalf of the Miguilan organization, she expressed confidence that the observatory would be a vital tool in advancing the rights and opportunities of Guinean women. “This initiative will play a key role in ensuring that women’s voices are heard and their contributions recognized in political, economic, and social spheres,” Barreto remarked.
With its mission firmly rooted in advocacy and empowerment, the Women’s Observatory promises to be a cornerstone in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality in Guinea-Bissau.