AMBASSADOR JEFF DAIGLE’S REMARKS
SOCIALIZATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE STUDIES ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE
AND ON THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN CABO VERDE
Caixa Económica Headquarters Auditorium in Praia
May 26, 2023
His Excellency Fernando Elísio Freire, Minister of State, Family, Inclusion and Social Development
Madam President of OMCV
Dear Consultants and Project Partners
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning!
After the launch of the project “Empowerment of Women and Girls in Cabo Verde” in July last year, it is with great pleasure that I join OMCV, the government of Cabo Verde and all partners to witness another important milestone of our partnership.
The results of the three studies that will be presented today will make it possible to better understand the phenomenon of harassment and sexual violence in Cabo Verde, in particular when directed at women and girls. They will also allow understanding the challenges and opportunities for the economic empowerment of women in Cabo Verde. The contribution of women to the development of Cabo Verde is undeniable. The workforce, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit are strong characteristics of Cabo Verdean women. I believe that the essential elements for their economic empowerment already exist, and the project will reinforce and complement Cabo Verde’s important advances in the fight against gender-based violence and for equal access to opportunities.
Cabo Verde is recognized for its work in building an increasingly just society. The “Empowerment of Women and Girls in Cabo Verde” project, under implementation by OMCV and with funding of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars from the State Department fund – Africa Regional Democracy Fund – is yet another example of democratic values, respect for human rights, and equal access to opportunities – which the United States shares with Cabo Verde.
The studies that will be presented today are the basis for several other project activities that aim to strengthen women’s economic autonomy, empower civil society organizations to defend women’s rights and support entrepreneurial initiatives of small companies led by women. The project also intends to develop awareness campaigns and policy recommendations that promote greater economic empowerment of women, contributing to the reduction of poverty.
I thank OMCV and its consultants for the work done so far, the government of Cabo Verde, the municipalities and all partners for their support and engagement in this partnership that will certainly contribute to an increasingly sustainable and inclusive development in Cabo Verde.
Thank you.
