No authorization is needed to publish newspapers and other publications. Nevertheless, the press and the radio and television broadcasts are largely state controlled. Criticism of the government is limited by self-censorship resulting from citizens fear of demotion or dismissal. Discrimination against women persists despite legal prohibitions against gender discrimination, as well as provisions for social and economic equality. 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 constitution protects the right to unionize, 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.