Vera Duarte

Vera Duarte, a multifaceted figure known as a poet, human rights activist, government minister, and politician, has dedicated her life to advancing justice and equality. Born in Mindelo on the island of São Vicente, Duarte’s journey took her from Cape Verde to Portugal, where she studied at the University of Lisbon before returning to serve her country. With a remarkable career spanning from being a counselor judge at the Supreme Court to an advisor to the president of the Republic, Duarte’s impact extends beyond borders.

Her contributions have been recognized globally, including being awarded the inaugural North-South Prize in 1995 and the prestigious U Tam’si Prize for African Poetry in 2001, making her the only Cape Verdean to achieve such recognition. As a co-founder and chair of the National Commission for Human Rights and Citizenship of Cape Verde and in her recent role as Minister of Education, Duarte continues to champion human rights, education, and citizenship, leaving an indelible mark on Cape Verdean society and beyond.