Today, across the globe (although in some places more than in others), people celebrate International Women’s Day. It’s one of those days for which there should be no need, right?
So while we still need it, I’d like to highlight a few amazing Portuguese women. If you look a bit into Portuguese history you’ll often find the names of Rainha Santa Isabel or D. Filipa de Lencastre (both of them technically not Portuguese). They became famous for their actions and character but, let’s face it, being a queen makes it easy for anyone to be famous. Inês de Castro is another name you’ll easily come across, because of the tragic love story in which she was involved with king Dom Pedro. But what about aaaall the other women?
One of my favourite Portuguese women, Mumadona Dias (in the photo above), actually lived *before* Portugal even existed but her actions were crucial to the definition of what would later become the kingdom of Portugal.
Another favourite of mine (half truth, half legend) was Brites de Almeida, aka, Padeira de Aljubarrota. Brites was a baker who, legend has it, killed seven Castilian soldiers in the aftermath of the battle of Aljubarrota. I like her not so much because of the deaths she may have caused but because it would have taken a 14th century woman (who ran her own business, no less) a lot of courage to face soldiers.
Below you’ll find a selection of Portuguese women who, in my view, don’t really get the acknowledgement they deserve. I’ve created bookmarks with some info on each one of them, so you can print out your favourite (or all of them!). Yes, I know you love me!
I hope these badass Portuguese women will inspire you!
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Beyond Lisbon 
[…] As you probably know, in the second half of the 19th century a devastating outbreak of phylloxera caused extensive damage to vineyards across Europe. In Portugal’s case, it was almost responsible for the demise of port wine. Next time you drink port, make sure to raise your glass to Dona Antónia Ferreira, also affectionately known as Ferreirinha. […]