Cabo Verde grapples with gender wage gap and youth emigration

Women in Cabo Verde continue to earn significantly less than men, with the gender wage gap driven by cultural norms, limited job options and a high share of vulnerable employment. Although women hold 29% of senior and middle‑management roles, they are over‑represented in informal work and earn about 50% less in the tourism sector, which accounts for 25% of GDP. Government reforms such as the 2019 Law of Parity aim to raise female political representation to improve labour market outcomes.

A 2025 national survey finds that roughly 65% of Cabo Verdean youth intend to emigrate, chiefly in search of better jobs and higher wages. The desire is strongest among 15‑20‑year‑olds (78% intend to leave) and in the island of Fogo (82%). Youth unemployment stands at 10.7%, with higher rates for women (14.7%). Over half of respondents rate local job opportunities as weak, citing limited education and low earnings as major barriers. Those who wish to stay cite family ties as the primary reason.