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Is the word desigualdade the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammatical function of "desigualdade" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the "d" in the final syllable is often palatalized, sounding similar to the "j" in the English word "jeep" ([de.zi.ɡwa.da.dʒi]). The vowels are generally more open and the rhythm is more melodic. In Continental Portuguese, the "d" remains a dental sound ([de.zi.ɡwa.da.de]), and the vowels are more closed, leading to a more "clipped" or swallowed sound in unstressed syllables.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. A desigualdade social é um grande problema no Brasil. (Social inequality is a big problem in Brazil.)
  2. Precisamos combater a desigualdade de gênero no trabalho. (We need to fight gender inequality at work.)
  3. A desigualdade de oportunidades afeta o futuro dos jovens. (The inequality of opportunities affects the future of young people.)
  4. Existe muita desigualdade na distribuição de renda. (There is a lot of inequality in income distribution.)
  5. A desigualdade de acesso à educação é preocupante. (The inequality of access to education is worrying.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. A desigualdade social é um problema grave em Portugal. (Social inequality is a serious problem in Portugal.)
  2. É necessário reduzir a desigualdade de género. (It is necessary to reduce gender inequality. — Note the Portuguese spelling "género".)
  3. A desigualdade de oportunidades prejudica as crianças. (Inequality of opportunities harms children.)
  4. A desigualdade de rendimentos continua a crescer. (Inequality of income continues to grow. — Note the use of "rendimentos" for income.)
  5. Há uma grande desigualdade no acesso aos cuidados de saúde. (There is a great inequality in access to healthcare.)