Portimão is making a significant stand for a fairer, more inclusive society this October. The Municipality is marking Municipal Equality Day on 24 October with a full two-day programme of activities designed to raise crucial awareness. This community effort reinforces Portimão’s commitment to gender equality and actively combating discrimination, positioning the council as a driving force for a more inclusive community.
Read on to find out how you can participate in these important local initiatives on the 23rd and 24th of October.
Day One: Focus on Women in Sport (23rd October)
The events kick off on Tuesday, 23rd October, starting at 7.30 pm at the Manuel Teixeira Gomes Municipal Library. The evening features a focused discussion panel (or tertúlia) dedicated to exploring ‘The Role of Women in Sport’.
This discussion offers an open reflection on equality of opportunity within sport. It addresses the challenges faced by female athletes, coaches, and managers and celebrates the growing value placed on the female presence across all dimensions of the sporting universe.
The panel features impressive local talent who will share their personal experiences as athletes and leaders:
- Ana Jorge Duarte: Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach at Clube Instrução e Recreio da Mexilhoeira Grande (CIRM).
- Sofia Queiroz: High-performance athlete, currently at Portimonense Sporting Clube, and physiotherapist for the Women’s Under-15 national team.
- Vera Silva: Director of Women’s Football at Futebol Clube de Ferreiras.
Nuno Afonso, a sports technician from the Municipality of Portimão, will moderate the debate.
Good to know: Participation in this event is free, but pre-registration is required and must be completed by 22nd October. You can register by sending an email to igualdade.genero@cm-portimao.pt.
Municipal Equality Day: Theatre and Thought-Provoking Debate (24th October)
On Municipal Equality Day itself, Wednesday, 24th October, the focus shifts to the performing arts and academic discussion.
1. The Theatre Play: “Entre Iguais” (Among Equals)
Students from the 11th-grade Professional Course (Actor/Actress Interpreter) at Bemposta School will perform the play “Entre Iguais” in the school’s Auditorium. This compelling performance tackles gender equality issues directly.
Crucially, the play utilises the techniques of Forum Theatre developed by playwright Augusto Boal. This means the audience is invited to participate actively in shaping the outcome of the scenes, thereby exercising responsible citizenship.
Two sessions are scheduled: one at 10.20 am for the school community and a second at 6.30 pm for the general public. Students Alice Coelho, Isabel Duarte, Fábio Palminha, Filipa Silva, Georgia Mcnicholl, Janine Souza, Luana Fernandes, Madalena Jerónimo, and Melissa Cardoso specially created the play for this occasion.
2. The Debate: Challenging Hate Speech
Later that evening, at 6.30 pm, the community is invited to the Institute Superior Manuel Teixeira Gomes (ISMAT) building for a key debate: “Entre a Igualdade e o Ódio – O Desafio de Novos Discursos” (Between Equality and Hate – The Challenge of New Discourses).
Organised by ISMAT, the objective of this initiative is to encourage critical reflection on misogynistic discourses and the extreme digital phenomena associated with toxic masculinity.
The discussion benefits from diverse perspectives, featuring speakers versed in psychology, law, and computer engineering. The panellists include:
- Dora Fonseca (Master of Law)
- Dr Ana Lima (Computer Engineering Professor)
- Dr Paulo Martins (Psychology Professor)
- Students Cristiana João, Diogo Ferreira, and Denise Madeira (from the institution)
This initiative is aimed at both the general population and the school community.
Portimão’s Ongoing Commitment to Equality
These events strongly underline Portimão’s dedicated approach to promoting equality and non-discrimination. The Municipality celebrates this day as a signatory of the Cooperation Protocol for Equality and Non-Discrimination, established with the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality (CIG).
By signing this protocol, the local authority reflects its deep commitment to gender equality, human rights, and social justice—principles considered fundamental for development and peace.
A central tool guiding the local policy in this area is the current II Municipal Plan for Equality and Non-Discrimination, operating under the theme “Portimão, We Are Equality”. The main goal of this plan is to raise awareness among everyone living and/or working in the council area, actively promoting the fight against stereotypes and reinforcing respect for the rights of every individual. This work is integral to the National Strategy for Equality and Non-Discrimination, “Portugal + Igual 2018-2030,” acknowledging the crucial role municipalities play in implementing public policies for equality.
