Woman laws at Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau has made notable strides in advancing women's rights through legislative reforms and institutional initiatives, though challenges persist in areas such as land ownership, gender-based violence, and political representation.
Key Legal and Institutional Developments:
Gender Quota Law (2018): The National People's Assembly enacted a law mandating a minimum of 36% female representation in elections and appointments to the National Assembly and local governments. This initiative aims to promote gender parity in political decision-making
Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (2011): A law was passed banning female genital mutilation and cutting, a practice affecting approximately 45% of women aged 15 to 49. Despite its legal prohibition, cultural practices continue to challenge enforcement
Reactivation of the Gender Thematic Group (2025): The Ministry of Women, Family and Social Solidarity, in collaboration with UNFPA, reactivated the Gender Thematic Group to enhance coordination among stakeholders addressing gender inequality, focusing on issues like gender-based violence, child marriage, and female under-representation in politics
Challenges and Areas for Improvement:
Land Ownership Rights: Despite constitutional guarantees of land use rights without discrimination, women often face barriers to land ownership. Inheritance laws and customary practices frequently result in male relatives inheriting property upon a woman's death, leaving widows without land rights
Constitutional Revision for Gender Equality: The Women's Jurists Association has advocated for a gender-sensitive revision of the constitution to explicitly include provisions on women's rights, such as land ownership, equal pay, and protection from violence. Their proposals aim to address the practical challenges women face under current legal frameworks
While Guinea-Bissau has established a legal foundation for women's rights, the effective implementation of these laws remains a work in progress. Continued efforts are necessary to overcome cultural norms and ensure that legal protections translate into tangible improvements in women's lives.
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