Country Profile
Guinea-Bissau is a small West African country known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and traditional practices. Despite its natural beauty, the country faces significant economic and social challenges, ranking among the poorest nations globally. Guinea-Bissau's history of political instability and limited access to resources has contributed to widespread poverty, particularly affecting women and girls.
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Guinea-Bissau's population primarily depends on agriculture and fishing for their livelihoods. However, the lack of infrastructure, low literacy rates, and limited access to healthcare and education exacerbate the country's struggles. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by these issues, facing systemic barriers such as early marriage, gender-based violence, and limited economic opportunities.
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Key Challenges for Women in Guinea-Bissau
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Rural Poverty:
Approximately 70% of women live in rural areas, where poverty is most prevalent. The majority of rural households depend on agriculture for survival but struggle with subsistence farming, limited market access, and inadequate public services.
Child Marriage:
Over 40% of girls are married before the age of 18. This practice stems from entrenched cultural and social norms, which restrict educational and economic opportunities for girls and perpetuate cycles of poverty.
Low Literacy Rates:
Female literacy rates remain critically low, at around 27%, compared to 45% for men. Rural areas are particularly affected by a lack of access to educational infrastructure, perpetuating gender disparities in education and employment.
Gender-Based Violence:
Up to 50% of women in Guinea-Bissau have experienced gender-based violence. Factors such as economic dependency and limited legal protections exacerbate the issue, leaving many women without adequate support systems.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM):
An estimated 52% of girls and women aged 15-49 have undergone FGM. This deeply rooted practice is prevalent in certain regions despite growing cultural opposition.
WOMEN IN GUINEA-BISSAU
of women live in rural areas, where poverty is most prevalent
Source: Our World in Data
40%​
of girls are married before the age of 18.
Source: UNDP
50%​
of women have experienced gender-based violence during their lifetime.
Source: Our World in Data
27%​
of women in Guinea-Bissau are literate, compared to 45% of men.
OUR WORK IN GUINEA-BISSAU
Femme Incroyable is proud to partner with the João 3:16 Project in Guinea-Bissau. This collaboration aims to address systemic issues women and girls face, focusing on empowerment, education, and economic independence. Through these initiatives, we seek to create sustainable change in the lives of the most vulnerable.
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In Guinea-Bissau, Femme Incroyable collaborates with Projeto João 3:16 to address social and economic challenges faced by women, girls, and families. Together, we work to provide opportunities that empower communities and transform lives.
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This partnership supports initiatives such as the Art &Saber Academy, which offers quality education to children and adolescents, and a sponsorship programme to ensure girls can stay in school. We also collaborate on the Mãos Criativas Cooperative, which trains women in sewing and entrepreneurship, equipping them with the tools for financial independence. Through these efforts, we strive to create sustainable change and build brighter futures for the people of Guinea-Bissau.​​
Students from the sewing cooperative in Guinea-Bissau
Help Us Build a Sewing Centre in Guinea-Bissau
​The Mãos Criativas Cooperative empowers women through sewing and entrepreneurship training, but they currently lack a permanent space for their classes. A plot of land has been secured, but materials and funding are needed to build a dedicated sewing centre. Your support can help provide these women with the tools to achieve financial independence and transform their lives.​​
Student from the sewing cooperative in Guinea-Bissau
Education Sponsorship Programme
Femme Incroyable collaborates with the João 3:16 Project to support the Academia Art&Saber in Guinea-Bissau, a school providing quality education to children and adolescents. Our newly launched sponsorship programme focuses on ensuring that girls, who are often excluded from formal education, receive the support needed to continue their studies. Through this initiative, we aim to break cycles of poverty and empower the next generation of women leaders.​
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