National Assembly sessions, including sharp attacks by opposition members, are broadcast live via radio in their entirety. In March, however, the government closed Radio Comercial, which is partially owned by an opposition politician, on the contested claim of an improperly allocated frequency. In previous years, government officials have unsuccessfully sought to use libel charges to silence opposition newspapers. Despite legal prohibitions against gender discrimination, as well as provisions for social and economic equality, discrimination against women persists. Many women do not know their rights or do not possess means to seek redress, especially in rural areas.
Women receive less pay for equal work and are excluded from traditionally male professions.
They are also subject to allegedly common, but seldom reported, domestic violence. Serious concerns about child abuse and the prevalence of child labor persist. Campaigns to promote women's civil and human rights and awareness of child abuse have been mounted by local nongovernmental organizations with international assistance. The right to unionize is constitutionally protected, and workers may form and join unions without restriction. Two confederations, the Council of Free Labor Unions and the National Union of Cape Verde, include 25 unions with approximately 27,000 members.