EMiNC | Portugal

In Portugal, caregiving is deeply rooted in traditional gender roles, with care often perceived as exclusively a woman’s responsibility. Societal expectations discourage men from taking paternity leave, with only a small percentage of fathers utilizing the up to 28 days currently available. Rigid notions of masculinity, where men are expected to avoid showing vulnerability, further hinder fathers from openly sharing emotions or fully embracing nurturing roles.

At the same time, evidence suggests that men are increasingly willing to participate in caregiving, though their efforts often fall short of equal sharing. Cultural resistance persists, requiring significant shifts in societal attitudes. To address this, efforts are underway to build capacity within health and education sectors, focusing on pre- and in-service training to engage fathers from the earliest stages of their children’s lives, including integration of father-inclusive content into BA and MA-level programs and challenging entrenched gender stereotypes. This foundational work aims to create a supportive environment where caregiving is viewed as a shared responsibility, fostering greater equity within families and communities.

This page will be regularly updated with news and resources related to the EMiNC initiative in Portugal.

=> Read the latest update from the EMiNC countries.

Additional Resources

The materials below, developed under the KINDER and PARENT Projects, support EMiNC’s focus on engaging men in early childhood, challenging stereotypes, and supporting professionals and families in creating more inclusive, responsive environments for children.

KINDER Manual: Deconstructing Stereotypes from Childhood 
This manual offers a comprehensive, 9-module framework for promoting gender equity in early education. It addresses key themes such as equality, non-violent education, and inclusive family–school relationships. Developed through the KINDER Project, the manual includes ready-to-use activities for children, as well as tools to support educators and institutions in creating more equitable and inclusive learning environments. 

Let’s Talk? Conversation Unlockers 
These age-specific tools support meaningful conversations with children about emotions, empathy, fairness, and gender equality. Originally developed within the KINDER and Boyhood initiatives, the “Let’s Talk?” letters help children express themselves, challenge stereotypes, and build inclusive relationships. Explore versions for ages 4–6, 7–9, and 10–13. 

National PARENT Manual – Involved and Caring Parents: From Theory to Practice 
This manual, developed through the PARENT Project, explores strategies to engage men in caregiving and promote co-responsibility in parenting. It offers practical approaches to preventing violence, challenging gender norms, and supporting a more equal distribution of unpaid care work. 

As part of the PARENT Project, the #EuSouMãe and #EuSouPai campaigns—launched around Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in Portugal—highlighted the unequal burden of care on women during the COVID-19 pandemic and promoted more equitable, involved fatherhood. The campaigns challenged traditional gender norms and called for shared caregiving responsibilities. Together, they sparked vital conversations about care, co-responsibility, and the need to value and redistribute unpaid care work in families and society. 

"BE KINDER" – Short Animation Film 
This creative educational resource promotes inclusive, stereotype-free representations of masculinity. Developed by the KINDER project, the film encourages critical thinking and positive role models for children, families, and educators alike.