Portugal Partners with ILO and EU to Promote Work-Life Balance and Gender Equality

A transformative new initiative launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO), with financial backing from the European Commission, is aiming to build a more inclusive, equitable, and gender-sensitive labour market in Portugal. Titled “Promoting Policies for Work-Life Balance and Gender Equality in the Labour Market in Portugal”, the project reflects a deepening commitment by Portuguese institutions to actualize gender equality in work environments, rather than treating it as a mere policy ideal.

With Portugal having made legislative progress in recent years regarding gender equality and workers’ rights, this project is intended to strengthen the implementation and impact of existing laws, especially by addressing persistent institutional, administrative, and socio-cultural challenges that hinder women’s full participation and representation in the labour force.

Focus on Real-World Implementation and Impact

The project goes beyond legislation to tackle root causes of inequality, which include:

• Rigid workplace structures that discourage shared family responsibilities

• Cultural norms and gender stereotypes that limit women’s career advancement

• Inconsistent enforcement of equality mandates

• Limited access to flexible working arrangements, especially in male-dominated sectors

At the heart of the project is a multi-stakeholder approach that aims to design, implement, and monitor public policies that effectively bridge the gap between legal frameworks and everyday workplace realities.

Government Agencies Signal Strong Backing

At a recent stakeholder meeting, representatives from key Portuguese institutions, including:

• The Public Employment Service

• Labour Inspection Authority

• Strategic and Planning Department of the Ministry of Labour

…expressed enthusiastic support for the project’s mission. Discussions focused on how state actors can align their efforts to enhance monitoring systems, streamline policy delivery, and embed gender equality principles into labour market governance.

These engagements indicate that gender equality is being taken seriously not only at a policy design level but also at the operational level—where it truly affects people's lives and career opportunities.

Building Dialogue, Evidence, and Institutional Capacity

The project includes a comprehensive capacity-building and policy advisory component, targeting:

• Public institutions: Equipping ministries and agencies with tools to mainstream gender equality into their mandates.

• Social partners: Engaging trade unions and employer associations to advocate and act on inclusive employment practices.

• Private sector employers: Supporting the adoption of gender-responsive policies in recruitment, promotion, and workplace culture.

• Civil society and academia: Promoting research and data collection to underpin evidence-based policymaking.

The ILO and European Commission aim to foster collaborative dialogue across sectors, ensuring that gender equality becomes not just a legal aspiration but a functional reality within Portuguese workplaces.

Why Work-Life Balance is a Gender Equality Issue

A key emphasis of the initiative is on work-life balance—a domain where gendered expectations often penalize women disproportionately. By promoting:

• Parental leave for both mothers and fathers

• Flexible working arrangements

• Policies that support caregiving responsibilities

…the project aims to challenge traditional gender roles and encourage a more equitable distribution of domestic and professional responsibilities.

These changes are expected to boost women’s labor force participation, reduce occupational segregation, and create a healthier, more productive workforce for all.

From Policy to Practice: A Step Toward Decent Work for All

This ILO-EU initiative positions Portugal as a potential model for other EU member states in translating gender equality policies into practical workplace improvements. With sustained institutional support and multi-level collaboration, the project aspires to make gender equality not just a legal framework but a social and economic norm.

Ultimately, the goal is to realize the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda, which includes:

• Equal opportunities and treatment in employment

• Security in the workplace

• Social protection for families

• Opportunities for personal development and integration

By focusing on both structural reform and cultural change, this initiative has the potential to reshape Portugal’s labor market into one that works for everyone—regardless of gender.