Traditional Alliance of Women in the Socio-Political Sphere and Resilient Subject to Climate Change: The Case of Guinea-Bissau

The role of women in conflict and peacebuilding has been insufficiently explored, despite their substantial contributions. Women’s experiences during conflict frequently strengthen communities in post-conflict settings, where they play a crucial role in mediation, reconciliation, and transitional justice, drawing on their social capital and knowledge of international law. This paper examines the intersection of religion, gender, and development through a case study of Guinea-Bissau, a paradigmatic example within the Lusophone world. It analyses women’s participation in political power from the struggle for independence to the present, highlighting their evolving social and political roles. The family institution, which is central to Guinean society, assigns women significant responsibility and commitment, reinforcing their leadership through long-standing traditional alliances. Using a historical approach complemented by a gender perspective, the study identifies both progress and regression in the country’s development, closely linked to women’s participation in public spaces as an indicator of democratic quality and social advancement. The analysis focuses on four key outcomes: food security; improved access to basic services such as health, education, and nutrition; enhanced resilience of rural communities—particularly women and youth—to climate and socio-economic challenges; and the strengthening of social protection systems. These priorities align with Guinea-Bissau’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda, particularly Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, and 4, and inform emerging approaches to international cooperation centered on resilience and vulnerability.