NEWS Reflecting on Progress: International Women´s Day International Women’s Day also serves another critical purpose: reflection. It is a day to honor the sacrifices and victories of the women who came before us. Their efforts laid the foundation for a society where women are recognized as equals, not only as contributors but as leaders and innovators. Today, women hold... 08 Mar 2025 3 min reading International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is far more than a day of flowers, chocolates, or compliments. It is a significant occasion to reflect on the historic struggles and triumphs that have shaped gender equality and to celebrate the progress made thus far. The origins of this day trace back over 600 years to the early calls for equality. The fight for gender parity gained momentum during the 18th century, as movements advocating freedom and equality emerged. Women began demanding active participation in society, economy, and politics, with suffrage becoming the cornerstone of their battle. Gaining the right to vote meant gaining a voice and influence over decisions that shaped their lives and communities. New Zealand was the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1893. In Europe, England played a pivotal role, though it wasn’t until after World War I in 1918 that British women secured suffrage. In Portugal, this right was hard-won. The first Portuguese woman to vote, Carolina Beatriz Ângelo, achieved it by leveraging a legal loophole in 1911. As a literate widow and head of her household, she successfully argued her case in court, making history. However, it wasn’t until 1931 that Portuguese women were granted voting rights, and even then, only those who were heads of households. True suffrage for all women in Portugal only came after the Carnation Revolution in 1974, with the 1976 constitution finally ensuring gender equality in political rights. Reflecting on this timeline reveals just how recent these changes are. For many women, the right to vote and participate equally in society is taken for granted today, yet it was a hard-fought battle that required immense courage and persistence. International Women’s Day also serves another critical purpose: reflection. It is a day to honor the sacrifices and victories of the women who came before us. Their efforts laid the foundation for a society where women are recognized as equals, not only as contributors but as leaders and innovators. Today, women hold prominent roles in politics, business, and sports. A recent milestone in Portugal highlights this progress—on February 22, 2023, the Portuguese women’s football team qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time, breaking barriers and proving that football, like many fields, is no longer a male-dominated arena. As a woman and a mother to two daughters, I feel immense gratitude for living in a time when women have the freedom to pursue their dreams, make their own decisions, and contribute to society as equals. International Women’s Day is a celebration of these freedoms and a reminder to continue striving for a world where every girl can dream, achieve, and thrive without limits. By Claudia Ferreira NEWS Share article FacebookXPinterestWhatsAppCopy link Link copiado