On Tuesday, October 13, the World With Women movement is holding an international action, with Portugal joining in. Women are being asked to temporarily stop working, doing household chores and shopping.
The Portuguese organizers have a simple goal: to show how much of society depends on women’s work, both paid and unpaid, and to challenge the wait for equality. At the current pace, according to UN estimates, it could take nearly 300 years to achieve gender equality.
They point to Iceland as an example. In 1975, around 90% of Icelandic women stopped everything for a day, including their jobs and household duties. Since then, Iceland has become the world’s most gender-equal country, and the organizers believe this is no coincidence.
In Portugal, the issue is far from abstract. Even in politics, where a law requires a 40% gender quota, women hold only about a third of parliamentary seats and head just one in seven municipal councils.
There are different ways to take part. Those who can are encouraged to stop for a full day, half a day or a few hours. Men who support the action are asked to take over the work women usually do. Those who cannot leave their jobs can skip household chores, refrain from shopping or help spread the word. Trade unions have not called a strike, so anyone planning to miss work should arrange leave or a day off in advance.
In Ericeira, the organizers promise a peaceful and fun gathering, inviting women to come along with friends and colleagues.
📅 Tuesday, October 13, 11:30 a.m.
📍 Ericeira, main square
