Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) Feminist Economics Summer School 2025 in Cape Verde: An Unmissable Opportunity
The Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) 2025 Feminist Economics Summer School, to be held in Cape Verde, represents a unique opportunity to deepen knowledge and skills in the area of feminist economics, with a focus on the specific realities and challenges of the Cape Verdean and African context. This intensive programme aims to enable participants from different fields - students, researchers, activists, public policy makers - to apply a feminist lens to analysing and proposing solutions to economic and social problems.
What is Feminist Economics?
Feminist economics is a critical approach to conventional economics that questions its premises, methods and conclusions, arguing that traditional economics neglects or underestimates unpaid work, the sexual division of labour, gender inequalities and the impact of economic policies on women and other marginalised groups. It seeks to build a more just, equitable and sustainable economy that takes into account the needs and rights of all people.
- Recognises the value of care work (domestic and community).
- It analyses the impact of gender on macroeconomic policies.
- Promotes gender equality in the labour market.
- It questions traditional metrics of economic development (such as GDP).
Why a Feminist Economics Summer School in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde, like many African countries, faces significant challenges in relation to gender equality and economic development. The IEJ Summer School aims to address these challenges in a specific way, offering a space for:
- To analyse gender inequalities in the Cape Verdean labour market, including the wage gap and occupational segregation.
- To investigate the impact of austerity and structural adjustment policies on women and families in Cape Verde.
- Explore the role of women in the informal economy and the agricultural sector.
- Develop strategies to promote women's economic empowerment and gender equality in Cape Verde.
Example: The Impact of Drought on Women Farmers
A concrete example of the relevance of feminist economics in Cape Verde is the impact of recurrent drought on women farmers. Women play a key role in family agricultural production, but often have less access to resources such as water, land and credit. Drought exacerbates this situation, increasing women's workload, reducing their income and jeopardising their food security. A feminist analysis of the economy can help identify solutions that take into account the needs and rights of women farmers, such as access to irrigation technologies, specific credit programmes and policies to support family farming.
What to expect from the IEJ Summer School 2025?
The IEJ 2025 Summer School will offer a comprehensive and multidisciplinary curriculum, which will include:
- Lectures on the main concepts and approaches of feminist economics.
- Case studies on the application of feminist economics in different contexts.
- Practical workshops on feminist research methodologies.
- Talks and debates with experts and activists in the field.
- Group research projects on topics relevant to Cape Verde.
In addition, the Summer School will provide a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and build networks between participants from different backgrounds and areas of expertise.
Case Study: Microfinance and Female Empowerment
A case study to be explored could be the impact of microfinance programmes on women's economic empowerment in Cape Verde. Although microfinance has been promoted as a tool to reduce poverty and promote empowerment, a feminist analysis questions whether these programmes actually benefit women and whether they may not, in some cases, increase their vulnerability. The Summer School can critically analyse the results of microfinance programmes in Cape Verde, taking into account factors such as interest rates, payment conditions and access to other support services.
Who should take part?
The IEJ 2025 Summer School is aimed at:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students in economics, social sciences, gender studies and related areas.
- Researchers and academics interested in deepening their knowledge of feminist economics.
- Activists and members of civil society organisations working on gender and development issues.
- Public policy makers and government officials working in areas related to the economy and gender equality.
Conclusion: A Step Towards a Fairer and More Equitable Economy
The Institute for Economic Justice's (IEJ) 2025 Summer School on Feminist Economics in Cape Verde is a crucial initiative for promoting gender equality and sustainable economic development in the country and the region. By training participants to apply a feminist lens to analysing and proposing solutions to economic and social problems, the Summer School contributes to building a fairer, more equitable and inclusive economy that takes into account the needs and rights of all people. It's an unmissable opportunity for those seeking to transform reality through knowledge and action.
Don't miss the chance to be part of this transformative experience!
Apply now for the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) Feminist Economics Summer School 2025! Find out more and apply here.
Deadline: 30-7-2025
