International Women’s Day in Guinea-Bissau
International Women’s Day falls on 8 March. In Guinea-Bissau, Decree No. 1/2023 distinguishes the date from the national mandatory holidays that require work to stop across public and private sectors: it grants a service release to specified public employees.[1]
What the law says
The decree lists national mandatory holidays separately and says that work must cease in both the public and private sectors on those dates, except for activities that cannot be interrupted. March 8 is not in that list. Instead, Article 2 gives public employees in central and local government, public institutes, and public enterprises a right to a service release on March 8.[1]
No substitute day is specified when March 8 falls on a weekend, and private-sector employees are not granted a service release. Check directly with an employer or service provider about opening arrangements.[1]
Women’s roles in Guinea-Bissau’s history
International Women’s Day has a particular historical resonance in Guinea-Bissau because women participated in the PAIGC-led anti-colonial liberation struggle. Research hosted by Universidade NOVA de Lisboa describes women’s involvement in militant and other wartime activities, and examines how the independence project framed women’s emancipation while also confronting male supremacy.[3]
A Guinea-Bissau report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women links the creation of the PAIGC in 1956 with the question of women’s political status. It notes that the party’s programme included equality of citizens before the law, while also describing women’s gradual access to political rights.[2]
International context and local observances
Around the world, International Women’s Day recognizes women’s achievements and calls attention to equality and participation. The United Nations says the observance emerged from labour movements in North America and Europe around the start of the twentieth century and was officially recognized by the UN in 1977.[4]
No particular rallies, ceremonies, performances, meals or other ways to observe the day are prescribed. Check local information for guidance on customs, food, regional differences and travel.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is International Women’s Day a national mandatory holiday in Guinea-Bissau?
Decree No. 1/2023 lists national mandatory holidays that require work to cease in public and private sectors; March 8 is not among them. The decree separately grants a service release to specified public employees.[1]
Who is entitled to a service release on March 8?
The decree names public employees in central and local government, public institutes, and public enterprises. Its Article 2 does not establish that entitlement for private-sector employees.[1]
Is there a substitute day if March 8 falls on a weekend?
The decree gives March 8 as a date for public employees’ service release but does not state that the release moves to another day when March 8 falls on a weekend.[1]
What is open on the day?
Check with the specific bank, shop or transport provider before making plans. The service release applies to the public employees named in the decree.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for International Women's Day in Guinea-Bissau:
- Decreto n.º 1/2023 — Feriados Nacionais Obrigatórios- República da Guiné-Bissau, Boletim Oficial
- Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 18 of the Convention: Sixth periodic report of States parties: Guinea-Bissau- United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
- Gender Struggle in Guinea-Bissau: Women’s Participation On and Off the Liberation Record- Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
- Background | International Women’s Day- United Nations