Gender Norms Etiquette in Guinea-Bissau

Public life is still fairly gendered, so men are more likely to speak first in formal settings while women often handle household, market, and caregiving roles, and a visitor should avoid assuming a woman will answer for the family unless she clearly does so herself. In towns and among younger people these expectations are loosening, but in rural areas and during family or community gatherings it is still wise to show extra deference to elders and to the male head of household when introductions or decisions are being made.