Today, March 8, marks International Women’s Day. That’s why we’ve prepared a guide full of themed activities. However, we didn’t want to stop there, so we decided to dedicate an article to some of the Portuguese women who have left a significant legacy.
From singers to actresses, not to mention athletes and other figures, each of these women has marked our history. As such, they deserve to be remembered. Did you know all these personalities?
Table Of Contents
Carolina Beatriz Ângelo (1878 – 1911)
She was one of the first Portuguese women of her time in many ways. The first female doctor to operate at São José Hospital in Lisbon, the first woman to be considered “head of the family,” and above all, the first woman to vote in 1911!
Carolina Beatriz Ângelo wasa suffragist, feminist, and far ahead of her time.
Florbela Espanca (1894 – 1930)
With a troubled and emotional life, Florbela Espanca was one of the greatest poets in our country and , therefore, also one of the most important Portuguese women ever.
In her short life, she wrote some of the most beautiful poems and short stories that remain in our memory, important for their lyrical, feminine, and, in a way, erotic content.
Maria Helena Vieira da Silva (1908 – 1992)
Better known by her surname, Vieira da Silva was a Portuguese painter, illustrator, and sculptor.
Having greatly influenced Portuguese art with her own artistic style, she remained true to herself, not following other styles with which she was familiar.
She married fellow artist Arpad Szenes, with whom she shared art projects.
Brites de Almeida (1350)
Our Baker of Aljubarrota was a legendary figure, considered a heroine in the Battle of Aljubarrota against the Castilian forces.
According to history, Brites became known for killing seven Castilians who were hiding in a bread oven, using only her baker’s shovel.
If this isn’t one of the most combative Portuguese women ever, we don’t know what is.
Amália Rodrigues (1920 – 1999)
She became the Queen of Fado and is considered one of the ambassadors of fado throughout the world.
Amália’s legacy is still widely admired and loved by all, such was her talent.
Nowadays, we can hear her singing in the streets of Lisbon, especially during the Santos Populares festival , and pay tribute to her at the National Pantheon, where she is buried.
Beatriz Costa (1907 – 1996)
An actress and icon of popular culture, she became famous with the film “A Canção de Lisboa” (The Song of Lisbon), where she starred alongside Vasco Santana and António Silva.
She starred in other Portuguese cult films, such as “Aldeia da Roupa Branca,” which was her last film.
From 1960 onwards, she began to travel the world and meet important personalities such as Salvador Dali, Greta Garbo, and Edith Piaf.
After her travels, she also devoted herself to writing about her fabulous life while living at the Tivoli Hotel in Lisbon.
Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen (1919 – 2004)
Writer and poet Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen was the first woman to receive the Camões Prize, which is to Portuguese literature what the Nobel Prize is to peace.
In addition to her poetry, she wrote many beautiful and important stories for young people, such as “A Menina do Mar” (The Girl from the Sea), “O Cavaleiro da Dinamarca” (The Knight of Denmark), and “A Fada Oriana” (The Fairy Oriana).
She has been in the National Pantheon since 2014, and her poems continue to be read by everyone.
Rosa Mota (1958)
She is a former Portuguese athlete, best known for being an Olympic, European, and world champion in the marathon.
She represented her country at the Olympic Games and was considered the best marathon runner ever!
The Portuguese people affectionately refer to Rosa as “our Rosinha,” considering her one of the most important athletes of the 20th century.
Eunice Muñoz (1928-2022)
Coming from a family of actors, Eunice Muñoz was one of the best Portuguese actresses ever.
She acted in theater, cinema, and television; her biography is vast and (almost) endless, full of talent in every direction.
She was a much-loved personality in the country, respected and praised by all.
Elvira Fortunato (1963)
The youngest woman on our list is a brilliant scientist and world-renowned expert in paper electronics engineering.
She developed the first paper-based transistor, as well as memories, screens, batteries, and more.
In 2010, she was awarded the title of Grand Officer of the Order of Prince Henry.
