2004年-世界发展银行全球_Sao_Tome_and_Principe___Country_Gender_Assessment_66页_4mb

São Tomé e Príncipe Country Gender Assessment Summary

Core Content

This report, titled São Tomé e Príncipe Country Gender Assessment, provides an in-depth analysis of gender-related issues in the country, highlighting the disparity between legal frameworks promoting gender equality and the socio-economic realities faced by women. The assessment was conducted in collaboration with the Government, civil society, NGOs, and donors, culminating in a national workshop in January 2004. It outlines the current gender profile, policy context, and recommendations for improving gender equality and development outcomes.

Main Issues and Key Findings

1. Gender and Legal Framework

• Legal Commitment: São Tomé and Príncipe has a strong legal commitment to gender equality, reflected in the national Constitution and international conventions such as CEDAW and MDGs.
• Implementation Gaps: Despite legal equality, the socio-economic status of women is not equally represented. There are discrepancies in how policies are implemented and enforced.
• Domestic Violence: Although laws exist to protect against violence, enforcement is weak due to limited police capacity. Cultural attitudes of male dominance contribute to the prevalence of domestic violence.

2. Poverty and Gender

• Poverty Levels: Over 50% of the population lives in poverty, with 15% in extreme poverty.
• Female-Headed Households: Female-headed households are more likely to be poor, larger, and have lower per capita consumption than male-headed households.
• Illiteracy: Women are four times more likely to be illiterate than men.
• Economic Inactivity: Women constitute the largest segment of the economically inactive population.

3. Economic Activity and Access to Resources

• Employment Disparities: Women are twice less likely to be employed than men. Unemployment among women is higher (25%) than among men (10%).
• Sector Concentration: Women are mainly employed in the informal sector, particularly in commerce and services, while men are more likely to be in salaried positions.
• Land Access: Women gained land ownership rights through 1992 land reforms, but lack of financial resources and limited access to formal credit schemes hinder their ability to fully utilize land.
• 'De Facto' Unions: These unions leave women and children vulnerable to poverty, exclusion, and disease. Legal rights for women in such unions are not clearly defined, leading to difficulties in claiming child support or inheritance.

4. Human Development Outcomes

• Education: Access to education is equal for boys and girls at primary and secondary levels, but retention rates for girls are lower.
• Health: There are no gender disparities in access to health services, but maternal mortality and child malnutrition remain high.
• Literacy: Literacy gaps exist among older age groups but are closing in younger generations.

5. Decision-Making and Political Participation

• High-Level Representation: Women hold several key positions, including Prime Minister, Governor of the Central Bank, and Minister of Justice.
• Local Participation: Women's representation in local decision-making is marginal. Only 5 out of 55 parliamentarians are women, below the regional average.
• Constraints: Heavy domestic responsibilities and socio-cultural norms limit women's participation in decision-making roles.

Policy and Institutional Context

1. Current Policy Landscape

• National Strategy for Poverty Reduction (NSPR): Emphasizes economic growth, income diversification, access to social services, and public institution reform.
• World Bank Support: The Bank's Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) aims to promote economic growth and improve access to social services.
• Lack of Coherence: There is no comprehensive national gender policy or institutional framework to monitor and evaluate gender-related initiatives.

2. Institutional Barriers

• Weak Capacity: The Office for Women and the Family lacks clear objectives and resources.
• National Commission on Gender and Population: Established but not functional due to lack of guidelines and support.
• Need for Institutional Strengthening: There is a call for creating a dedicated Gender Cabinet or similar body to coordinate gender policies across all ministries.

Recommendations and Interventions

1. Workshop Recommendations

• Integrated National Approach: Develop gender-sensitive policies that include access to information, awareness-raising, and legislative reform.
• Institutional Capacity Building: Strengthen the Office for Women and Children, or create a new high-level gender body.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Establish programs to raise awareness on gender issues and combat cultural attitudes.
• Legislative Reform: Update existing laws (Penal Code, Family Law) and adopt new legislation on sexual harassment and trafficking.
• Training Opportunities: Expand professional training for school leavers in both genders.

2. World Bank Interventions

• Action Plan Development: Support the creation of a national gender strategy and action plan.
• Institutional Capacity: Strengthen mechanisms for integrating gender issues into development policies.
• Research and Data Collection: Conduct studies on women's constraints in labor market participation and access to productive resources.
• Collaboration: Promote cooperation between the Government, civil society, and communities to address gender issues.
• Credit Schemes: Establish credit programs and income-generating activities for women.

Conclusion

The report underscores the need for a more coherent and functional institutional framework to address gender issues effectively in São Tomé e Príncipe. While the country has legal and political commitments to gender equality, the lack of implementation mechanisms and monitoring systems hinders progress. The recommendations focus on strengthening institutions, improving legal frameworks, and enhancing awareness and participation of women in all aspects of development.