Legal Reforms to Protect Women at Home and at Work in São Tomé and Príncipe

This brief examines the introduction of landmark reforms in São Tomé and Príncipe to counter domestic and family violence and to protect women, both at home and at work. The enactment of laws on domestic and family violence, and the subsequent introduction of the country's new Penal Code and, more recently, the Labor Code, were each made possible due to a combination of factors. Women's active participation in public life, multistakeholder coalitions, and awareness-raising campaigns advanced the reform agenda. The lessons learned from this process can provide insights to international organizations, advocates, and policymakers on the necessary elements to carry out meaningful reforms for gender equality