ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the changes in Portuguese society regarding gender equality, based on previous literature and demographic data provided by statistical sources and the National Institute of Statistics (INE). It explores current institutional and civil society discourses about European and national policies concerning active citizenship and the democratic participation of women. But undoubtedly Portugal becoming a member of the European Union has played an important role in this process of transformation and therefore it is important to understand how the discourses consider European and national policies regarding gender equality. The support of gender equality and real equal opportunities for men and women dominates the discourses in the documents from both the public institutions and NGOs. Alignment with EU policies is indicated by the absence of criticism of such policies and by the policy recommendations of public institutions. Additionally, the documents of public institutions are focused on the importance of fighting domestic violence, promoting empowerment of victims, and combating human trafficking.
