According to the European Institute for Gender Equality, Portugal ranked 15th in Europe for gender equality in 2023. The study found that health care had the most significant gender disparities, while workplace equality showed the most progress. A Randstad study, conducted by the global talent company, reported that Portugal’s gender pay gap stood at 13%, aligning closely with the 2024 European average. Despite ongoing challenges, activists and nonprofit organizations continue working toward gender equality, advocating for women’s rights, awareness, policy change and social reform.

PpDM Promoting Women’s Rights in Portugal

The Portuguese Platform for Women’s Rights (PpDM), an independent, nonprofit humanist organization, promotes gender equality through research, advocacy, mobilization and training. Free from government, political or religious affiliations, PpDM represents Portugal in key international networks, including the European Women’s Lobby (EWL), the EU Civil Society Platform against Trafficking, the Association of Women from Southern Europe (AFEM) and the Euro-Mediterranean Women’s Foundation (FFEM). As the national coordinator for the EWL, PpDM works closely with European organizations to advocate for gender equality policies and initiatives. The organization focuses on eliminating discrimination and gender-based violence by providing training and resources to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). PpDM fosters open discussions on gender issues, creating a platform for organizations to collaborate, exchange knowledge and implement gender equality initiatives.

Key PpDM Initiatives for Gender Equality

• Mobilize Against Sexism!. Funded by the Council of Europe and organized by the EWL, raises awareness about sexism and discrimination. The initiative promotes public dialogue on gender-based biases and provides legal definitions of sexism to support advocacy efforts. To extend its reach, the campaign offers flyers, posters and educational materials for use in schools and public awareness programs.
• Women in Climate. An initiative launched by the EWL integrates gender perspectives into climate policy. The project highlights how climate change disproportionately affects marginalized women and encourages civil society organizations to advocate for gender equality in environmental action. By bridging women’s rights and climate justice, the initiative strengthens policy discussions and advocacy strategies.
• From the Voice III. It provides a digital platform for conversations about sexism, discrimination and gender-based violence. The initiative creates a safe online space where women can share experiences, participate in discussions and access educational resources. Webinars, podcasts and other digital content aim to challenge gender stereotypes and promote feminist discourse in Portugal.

Beyond these initiatives, PpDM has launched several other projects that amplify women’s voices, mobilize communities and influence policy change. Programs such as the Feminist Tribune, bE_SAFE, and Young Europe Sustainable Democracy Builders (YES) focus on human rights advocacy, gender-based cyber safety and youth involvement in democratic policy-making.

Advocacy and International Collaboration

PpDM actively engages in international human rights conventions that promote gender equality and women’s rights. The organization contributes to global policy discussions, influencing frameworks such as the Istanbul Convention and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. By working with international organizations and policymakers, PpDM strengthens its influence on gender policies at both national and global levels.

Looking Ahead

The PpDM calls for broader community participation in its mission to achieve gender equality. Indeed, by fostering education, advocacy and legal reforms, the organization remains a driving force in promoting women’s rights in Portugal. As challenges persist, continued collaboration with policymakers, activists and civil society could be essential in creating lasting change for future generations.

– Hannah Pacheco

Hannah is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

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