6.+WOMAN+ON+TOP

As this page is still in the making, you're not going to be able to edit it as it is momentarily locked. So, you've got to try again later:(( ** THIS PAGE WILL BE OPEN TILL the 6th April. HAVE FUN:)) ** **A. 1. The 1970s are seen as "the era of women's liberation". visit the following site [|Phenomenal Women] and select the woman that most impresses you and account for your choice.**
 * 6. WOMAN ON TOP **

From what I've read I liked Wilma Rudolph, her story is similar to Forrest Gumps's because she had an injury which didn't let her playing sports properly, but she managed to overcome the problem and she did a great work at the sports world. Maybe shes's an example of strenght and wiiling power. here is a quote from her: "From that day on, people were going to start separating me from that brace, start thinking about me differently, start saying [she] is a healthy kid, just like the rest of them." Mariana Ferreira

Rosa Parks is a notable woman. Only by refusing on giving up her seat to a white man she started a fight against discrimination and many people joined her cause. She was one of the very first woman to fight for the equality between black people and white americans. "I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be __free__.. so other people would be also free", so she wanted to be seen as an inspiration to the others so they can still fight for their rights and be free. Rita Pinto

I briefly mentioned Rosa Parks in the 50's class. She truly marked a turning point not only for women but also for black people's rights. It takes a lot of courage to __face__ the power of opression when no one had had the strenght to do it before. I also realised that Oprah Winfrey has not been mentioned yet. Whether you like her or not, everyone has to admit that she has been influencing generations of women for decades and has been a voice leading a specific group of people. And that is even a greatest achievement because of the fact that she is a black woman. Despite the fact that these women had to fight against stereotypes and disrespect, they managed to survive and conquer that honour: the respect of millions of people. Emilia Mota

Rachel Carson was one of the most notable women in what concerns science. Her book “Silent Spring” wrote in 1962 was a warning to society about the terrible consequences DDT and other pesticides could cause while used in agriculture, per example. Unfortunately, her work wasn’t recognized and we watched several people dying or having health problems while she had the entire solution already told by her own hands. Nowadays, DDT and some pesticides are banned. In spite of the fact that this women wasn’t able to see her battle finished, we should give value to the progresses she tried to implement.** Ana Teresa **

For me, the one that stood out was Gloria Steinem. First, she was wise enough to know that media is the most Nowadays, we see the power of media, it's gigantic. The impressive thing is.. tyhat at 1972, she could see the power in the media and take advantage of it. On the other hand, not only did Gloria Steinem fight for women's rights but also she fought for gays' rights. If in the actual living days, gay issues are still a tabu, imagine back then. That just show us how fearless that woman was and we should be very thankful that she stood up ! :)   Mariana Marques

The one who stood out the most for me was gertrude elion, she was a daughter of immigrants and along with some colaborators developed several drugs usefull to fight lots of deseases and that make medical procedures easier. She was awarded the nobel prize of medicine. Also she helped creating the first drug usefull in the treatment of AIDS. Everyone who dedicates his/her life to investigation in the health area should be praised because every single one of us need drugs to fight any desease that we come across. Telmo 12E

These extraordinary people went with their ideals. It was't just a matter of sex but of character and these women, more than some men, had it. .. I couldn't agree more with Madeleine Albright when she says that democracy does't happen overnight. That more than those who dream it we need to be the ones who make it happen.

She seems a very direct person with strong opinions. I found another quote from her which reflects the spirit of these female icons:"

There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women." Rita Rebelo

First i would like to say is that all of the women there had and have significant importance to the world without them we most likely wouldn't be living the way we are now...but the one that i chose was because she is a very interesting and dignifying women, she's not really well-known outside the US, but i think she should, i only heard of her sometimes before, nothing significant but now that i read more about her i see her as even more than i thought. Helen Keller, truly one of the most emblematic and courageous women i have ever heard, i think that what she lived for and what she was able to accomplish, given her disabilities, was astonishing...and most of all she was a great symbol for the minorities and the underprivileged people not just in the US but all over the world, and even more is that i think in the end she was able to pass through one message to all of us, it doesn't matter what the challenges ahead are, just fight for what you want and strive for it and in the end you'll come out a winner.** Diogo Pinto 12F~ **

In spite of not being a great fan of animals, I've always wondered how far the link between them and people could go. That's why Dian Fossey caught my attention. I find it amazing how a human being is able to dedicate her entire life to a different species, looking after gorillas and nearly loving them. Further, since we share our land with them, even if we can’t really establish a connection with animals, we owe them at least respect. Endangering them reflects our torn moral standards and if someone is up to it, he/she will eventually betray his/her own “brothers and sisters”. The act of standing up for them and appealing to their safety is an attempt of moral reform so needed nowadays and timelessly that I consider vastly noble. Vitória Melo

Sally Ride impressed me because she was the first American woman in space,it was a huge step in women's emancipation, which shows that a woman is also capable to do any male job or even better, as Robert Crippen says “She is flying with us because she is the very best person for the job. There is no man I would rather have in her place.” Margarida Aguiar

Jeannette Rankin was one that impressed me a lot. She was the first female member to serve in the Congress. What it really caught my attention is the fact that she voted against the war with German in 1917, which cost her office. However, this strong pacifist never stopped fighting for what she believed was right. Therefore, she managed to be elected in 1940, where she voted once again to a more pacific solution, in order to prevent her country for joining the WWII. In fact, she was the only member to vote against the WWII. Tiago

**2. Now, are you ready to play THE QUOTE GAME. Go to the following link [|Note the Quote] and submit your answers.**

I played the game and I found this quote which caught my atention: "The Army asks 'Be all you can be.' Today I can honestly tell you that I have been all that I could be. I have risen farther than I ever dared to hope." by Claudia Kennedy. She joined the army and so that she said this, but I think this quote is much more than a 'army quote', this is a life experience and a life lesson. We know how bad women had been treated during the 60's, but it wasn't a reason for stop Claudia. She fought, maybe she struggled herself but she finally exceeded her own expectations. Mariana Ferreira

The __game__ is very interesting because not only we have to link quotes to "phenomenal women" but also we know some curiosities about them. I liked a lot this quote from Dian Fossey (zoologist): "When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate on the preservation of the future", so we should care less about things that had already happen and focus on our future and present. What we do in the present will affect the future. This quote was said in a nature perspective because of the animal extinction and other ambiental problems but it's perfectly adaptable to our lives. Rita Pinto

That's a very interesting game, I didn't know a lot of those women :| I had a quote on my mind that teacher Graça once shared with us, it was something like "The man might be the head of the family but the woman is the neck that holds it". It's a curious way to refer the importance of the mother and the wife. An most importantly, man will never be able to live without us ! And we need them as well.. Emilia Mota

"Everybody counts in applying democracy. And there will never be a true democracy until every responsible and law-abiding adult in it, without regard to race, sex, color, or creed, has his or her own inalienable and unpurchasable voice in government." I liked very much this quote from Carrie Chapman Catt because it represents that a society can only achieve big goals if all of us work and be responsible for our actions. We can’t just sit and let others do our work. On the other hand, we must not forget that we are a unit and we are all equal no matter what race, sex, color we have because the problem isn’t only associated to an individual. ** Ana Teresa **

To start with, I have to say that I really liked the game. First, it's a game, so ir is attractive to me xD and then it uses that technique of  learning is fun. By other words, you're making yourself really much more educated and intelligent. Ang I found really interesting knowing all these details about these women's rights. I'd like, for sure, to keep learning about them, especially because you know that every little part of their role collided into the world as we know it today. One statement I liked : Without the United Nations our country would walk alone, ruled by fear instead of confidence and hope., in the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the first women in the assembly of UN. Mariana Marques

It´s a great game to learn more about political views, which for me are very interesting. I must confess I didn't know a lot of the women there, it just to show that there are much more advocates for women's rights than we realise. Although it seems that now a day society is lacking on these examples... Rita Rebelo

This game is an excelent iniciative for us to develop our knowlegde in what concerns women and their importance in the current society and in world history. It is reashoring to know that despite the men repression  and society standarts some women stood up and took humanity to a completely diferente world where equality is possible. =Pedro 12ºE =

The game isn't bad, but for some reason i just can't really cope with the idea that a game is supposed to be educational and fun at the same time, mostly because when i play a game is really just to separate the learning from the fun, nonetheless this is an interesting game, and i found a quote that i think speaks to everyone directly, it's a simple and direct sentence. "In soloing — as in other activities — it is far easier to start something than it is to finish it."-it isn't, probably, the most mining-full quote there but still it's very accurate and in some point of our lives we always reach that conclusion, it's easy to start, but when we see that the finish line is much further away than we thought, many time it makes us lose hope and give up, and something like that happens a lot in life...it's not just starting something that counts, but finishing it is just as important. ** Diogo Pinto 12F **

One of my favorite parts in the worksheets about the movies we see in class is the memorable quotes one, searching for them and commenting on them, because I like to think whether or not I would be able to say something like that. Usually they fall like clichés or contain too obvious ideas in pretty words, but sometimes I get amazed by some perspectives expressed in such brilliant ways. These quotes I found in the game (a quite interesting one, by the way) are true, honest, humble and simple. The purity of what’s said can inspire strength, sorrow and raise awareness towards vital social and humanitarian issues that cannot fade into obscurity. Vitória Melo

"Most people in the city rush around, so they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not." (I identify so much with this quote...) I believe women have a recognized and important role in arts. Besides being an inspiration for male artists, some of them express their emotions and feelings in a very peculiar way. And women, in the arts field, are allways very proeminent figures. Just as men, women conquered sciences, politics, sports, etc., and that is proven in this game you showed us. **Joana Pereira, 12thF**

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched . . . but are felt in the heart." (Helen Keller) That’s true, what we feel makes us who we are and there are many deep emotions that we can only feel in the heart and that are untouchable. With this game we can see throught what they said why these women are phenomenal and we only have to learn with them and their examples. Margarida Aguiar

"Democracy may be conceived by dreamers, but it is made real by doers. And our responsibility, as the world's leading democracy, is to work in partnership with others to help nations in transition move to a higher stage of democratic development." I think this quote by Madeleine Albright is tremendous, because it may show us her personality and definitely her position in relation to democracy. What she meant is that democracy isn’t a dream, in opposition to what many people think. Democracy is indeed something that can be achieved, it just implies the responsibility and the participation of every single person. In addition, she referred to the need of helping other countries to see that democracy is in fact the best way to rule a government, and I do believe with her. Tiago

** 3. What about Portuguese women? Let's see what the following site tells us! [|Portuguese Women] Consider the given names and tell me your opinion about them. Would you suggest different ones? ** I found a really good life story the one about Maria de Lurdes Pintasilgo, because she made a stand after Salazar period and at those times it wasnt's that easy for a woman to 'move' a society and she did and even became Prime Minister. Mariana Ferreira I would suggest the name of "Padeira de Aljubarrota". If the legend is completely true, she had a strong personality and fought for our country. She is one of the most important figures of the battle between Portugal and Spain. Gonçalo Henriques Sophia de Mello Breyner was a really good writter speacilly because all children and even ourselves had already read her books which always have a good life lesson to all of us. Rita Pinto To be honest I haven’t seen the site because I instantly remembered a portuguese woman that I really like and who I consider a true icon. Her values and her music admire me and I completely believe that even nowadays she is one of the most notable women we have in our country. Her name is……. Simone de Oliveira J. ** Ana Teresa **

The only one I can remember that is important and isn't there is fátima lopes, even tough we don't pay much atention to her achievements in the fashion industry she is portuguese and creates a good image of our fashion designers for foreigners. Telmo 12E

I have a special appreciation for Sophia de Mello Breyner, when she saw her husband taken away for, basicly, speaking his mind, she stood up and became more aware of her surrounding. It made her fight not only for her family, but to realise that she needed and could fight for a country. Like her, Vieira da ilva, Paula Rego, Amália Rodrigues are artist who have shown Portugal that women can reach all corners of the world. Rita Rebelo

One that I really liked from the list is Amália Rodrigues. I didn't know much about her 'till the time that film was released and Fado became a world heritage. If you follow tvi programme A tua cara nao me é estranha, you can really notice that Amália is still nowadays, an enourmous inspiration to all of the portuguese people, especially the adults above 30 and that are interested in music. So, as Luciana Abreu played Mariza last show, I learned a bit more of this music style and I have to admit that I actually enjoyed it a lot :) So, I guess that in this spirit when you say we could suggest different names, I would like to call Mariza's one. Mariana Marques

Amalia´s story is really interesting and her voice was absolutely stunning, truly a great imaterial treasure of Portugal. She single handed the projection of portuguese style Fado to the international level and as a result Portugal was in the map but this time for good reasons. She inspired many artists to pursuit their dreams in music and it is still heard and admired by our community. It is with pleasure that I recomend the follow songs : "Foi Deus", "Nem às paredes Confesso", "Gaivota" and counteless others that show that Portugal is indeed a perennial source of talent. =Pedro 12ºE=

D. Filipa de Lencastre is my choice in this topic since she has always been one of my favorite characters of Portugal History. She raised a wave of modernization in Portugal that has its roots in her own roots (British ones), contributing to the broadening of the commercial trades between Portugal and England and guaranteeing a strong basis of union between the two nations that was quite helpful in posterior episodes. In addition, she is the mother of Infante D. Henrique, whose resilience, ambition and nautical knowledge were fundamental during “Descobrimentos”; and D. Duarte who was probably born here, in Viseu. She was, surely, the primer responsible for the creation of the enlightening environment her children were brought up. Vitória Melo

Don't forget about Florbela Espanca, a woman who lived in a distant future time, and who managed to express it in her poetry. I allways feel intrigued when I read her poems, when I find in each of her words a personality that is somehow lost, and, at the same time, very present and strong. **Joana Pereira, 12thF**

Rosa Mota is another example of a remarkable woman and an exceptional athlete, she won the gold medal in the marathon at the 1988 Olympic Games - Seoul, and today, even outside of work is an example of willpower and commitment. She is considered as one of the best marathon runners of the twentieth century. Margarida Aguiar

A woman who deserves to be highlighted is paula rego because, as we know, she is an worldwide known artist with many exhibitions of her paintings around the world. And most important, she has been living outside of portugal, but she never forgot his country and so, she continued to do exhibitions in Portugal. Rui Neves 12E

There are plenty of important women that presented a strong role in society; one of them is definitely Sophia de Mello Breyner. In our childhood everyone has read her books, which are great indeed. Therefore, I have a sort of connection with her. She marked my childhood with her didactic books. There are others that I know, but I think Sophia de Mello Breyner is one of the great Portuguese ladies that will always admire. Tiago

** B. 1. Watch a photo gallery from National Geographic of WOMEN OF SAUDI ARABIA([|National Geographic Photo Gallery]) and select the one that impressed you the most. Account for your choice. ** The picture which impressed me the most is the one with the lady and the baby, I think she's a doctor and what I found interesting is that now women are seen in a equal way as men, and they can do the same things (maybe almost the same things). I really value it. Mariana Ferreira

I was also impressed by the same picture, the one with the doctor examining the newborn. I guess that it has impact because of the way she's dressed, which we're not used to see in our hospitals (or anywhere else) and because of the simple fact that it is a woman. It's a great improvementfoor their heath system to have women working in the hospitals because they're very kind and caring. Emilia Mota The first picture was the one I liked most because we can easily see in her eyes the oppression of the women in her country. Moreover the burka, her eyes, and her hair almost black just contribute to give us the idea of the dark side where they live in. ** Ana Teresa **

The women who is walking a long with her daugther I think it shows the unbreakable bond between them. In away it brings the islamic culture closer to our reality. That bond is universial, whther in Portugal or in Saudi Arabia. Rita Rebelo Doctor, Dhahran - I think that was the one that caught my attention. On first glance, I could only see something really odd about that picture. It didnt seem right. Then, at second glance I realised that the woman that is examinating the child is wearing black even at her work. And the thing is that, worldwide, you obviousily associate the colour white to doctors and nurses,.. However, here it is the completely opposite colour. - the black burqa. They're always wearing it, even if they're working with pacients. It was really good to see a woman on such an important and helpful job. It also shows us that Arabian Saudi cociety is also evolving .. Mariana Marques

The picture that impressed me the most was the one with the swing. It showed me that where is a smile there is hope for a better life, for love, for joy and the essential is never stop dreaming or fighting for the better. On other hand there is the expression of the other woman that seems concerned about something, she´s not enjoying their children's happyness, probably because she knows how hard life can get specially in those countries for woman. But we gotta have hope to smile again and courage to fight. =Pedro 12ªE=

The pictures are really interesting but aside from the fact that i think that what those women are forced to wear on their heads is really weird, the one that i can say made more of an impact is "woman and children, jiddah", mostly because due to the influences of other countries and ourselves we see them (islamic countries) as sort of a prison for the people, the dresses women are forced to wear, the rules, religion and all made us think of them as that, prisoners. Although they could enjoy more freedom if they loosened up the rules some more, it's just how their culture and tradition is, and it's not easy to mess with tradition. And the foto shows clearly that they aren't prisoners, they are able to live happily even there. ** Diogo Pinto 12F ** “Truck Driver” impressed me the most because I immediately related it to the news we read in class saying that driving is denied to most Arabian women. Making a metaphor from the word “car”, we can infer about the dimension of the reel-to-reel oppression they are submitted to. When we see “car” as their own lives we see men denying them the right of driving their lives. Vitória Melo

All of them impressed me, but the first one is trying to show us the woman’s expression behind the burqa, that they must wear covering their faces, throught her eyes. Is horrible the fact of not being allowed to show our face and express ourselves just by smiling, crying and all of the common expressions that we are used to see everyday. Margarida Aguiar

The last one, I found it extremely interesting and funny as well. Bedouin women are forced to use more strictly their veils, which made me think that these women should have a harder life. Though, that’s not true. In opposition they have more freedom to dress and to move, and some can even drive their family’s truck, something that is completely forbidden to women in the city. Tiago ** 2. Comment on the following TIME article: [|Saudi Women] and say why they stll have a long way to go. ([|A Long Way!?...]) ** It evident that the path for Saudi women's rights is still being slowly built... The picture could easily pass as being one from a us or eupopean office, expect, perhaps, for the woman praying. But as we read the article we realise how far those to realities are from each other. Women who have been "granteed" these kind of facilities and that take on higher positions in this particular company are have to "thank" the royal protection. Like them other woman like the secretary for girl's education are a sign of change. A long the article we can't really grasp the huge discrepancies between these women and those being legally abused at home. It hard to understand how in one nation so diferent realities can coexist. We can almost sense the sorrow some women are feeling. Those who have fought for the change dor their status in Saudi Arabia, wo't probably see the vision they dream of happening any time soon. It takes to much time to change mentalities. Rita Rebelo

This article is another proof of what Saudi women can achieve and have already achieved, specially after the attacks of 9/11 and with King Abdullah on the top. Many measures are being taken in order to evolve and insert women in society. Nowadays, the possibility of having a job or the opportunity to study, to vote and so on is becoming more and more a reality. However, it’s true that Saudi women still have a long way to run. They should celebrate what they have achieved but they should also fight for other objectives: stop men’s humiliation; stop violence and get the permission to drive. ** Ana Teresa **

Regarding the first article, and having in present memory the article we read at clas, it was good to realize that saudi women are fighting for their power as the society is trying to mold most conservative people's ideals. Now, I actually quite agree when they say more than once that this change shouldn't be radical and too fast. The truth is that, for instance, in Portugal, the women's position has nothing to do with the one we face in this article. The truth is that they see that position and want to reach for them, and may feel revolted. But, if they really want Saudi women's position to suffer some deeep changes, the pace has to remain a bit painful, as they mention. So, i give the most credit to these women who have to be really patient and tolerante, so that they can reach the satus they want. About the second article, after reading the first, I became with a good impression, but then it fell a litlle bit apart.. I was shocked by some rules.. The one about violence actually made me discusting. It is horryfing to read that, and to imagine that reality. The sentence that most shocked me was Rape within marriage is not recognised., when we know that that situation can be easily true. Also, the fact that their (Saudi Women) own sons can be their guardians is revolting ! I agree on 100 percente with Nadya Khalife, when she says that male guardians are the most serious issue. I would also like to say that it may be good for Saudi women to take some self defense classes. First, it would build up their confidence and second, if they were in dangerous, they could actually fight for them. They deserve that. Mariana Marques

**3. Now, check the following site ( [|Women in Muslim Countries]) and compare the situation of women in Muslim countries with European and American women.** After reading this to actually understand that this are the principals os any religion, one can only feel blessed and angry at the same time. What shocks me the most is that people accept what is written in the Sharia. Some of the quotes are absolutely preposterous, the fact that a man equals to women is concept that I though was impossible in any modern society. I find it hard to understand how women state these islamic laws are part of its culture and that they are proud of it. Rita Rebelo

The situation in the muslin countries is very complicated, the article refers that the western societies have evolved troughout the ages but they seem to be stuck with ancient rules. It is very hard to change such a society, specially when the rules are so deeply connected with religion. However changing these countries isn't impossible, they will certainly take more time than europe and america but they will change eventually because the acess to information is getting easier everywhere, soon muslim women will realise that they should be respected and they will fight for it. Telmo12E

We can’t even make a firm comparison because our situation is extremely different from the one they have. As we read in the article it is important to underline that women who live in those countries are forced to live according Islamic ideology and according with Sharia. However, what men and even some women consider common in their countries we consider humiliating and disrespectful. Fortunately, we have already conquered women emancipation and we are much more close to equality than women in Muslim countries. They are beaten, forced to decide according their men, they even have to abdicate from their body and their child. The destiny of a girl is slavery through the entire life. // "The marriage vow most rightly expected to be obeyed is the husband's right to enjoy the wife's vagina." // Sharia sentences like this one just represent how out-of-date religion, especially Islamism, is. As a consequence, some societies are affected. ** Ana Teresa **

The situation itself is violent, in my mind. I didn't even know that there were such thing as honor killings. Their ideals are completely wrong, stupid, unfair, unbalanced ant outrageous ! Muslim people are, for sure, too attached to the Quran, which is ridiculous. Thank god that in our country, for instance, we do have a religion, but hte bible doesn't rule our Constitution. Islamic culture should know how to separate religion from politics and ruling the country. Now, in comparison to European and American women, it's almost as it cant be compared ! And thank god for that. It's essential for Muslim leaders to see what happens to Islamic people in Europe and America, too see how we punish the practise of those ideals and how those acts give us chills of our horrible nature they are. Mariana Marques

Is it possible to even consider a comparsion? In my opinion no. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and should act towards one another in spirit of brotherhood. This is the first and the most important amendment of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and honestly I wanna believe in it but it seems impossible because one woman born in Europe or USA is a person with rights and obligations, meanwhile a women born in Saudi Arabia is a slave, a robot, an object that can not express itself or has will for its own and it is despicable. We have conscience, we think for ourselves, we cannot believe in pain, suffering and misery. We need to believe in equality, fraternity and freedom. The situation in Saudi Arabia is ludacris beyond measure but they are evolving and I hope rather sooner than later that true life can be lived by women in thoses countries. =Pedro 12ªE=

Well it's different obviously, the situation here is much different than what happens there, but there are justifiable reasons for that. In my opinion there is a major difference in both societies that completely changes the notion of freedom as we see it. Unlike muslim countries we westerns have taken a different road, some years ago religion stopped taking a place in the middle of society and started taking a more secondary roll, that opened a new way for people to express their rights as willing fully as they wanted and actually fight for what they think they deserve, muslim countries on the other had still follow strict rules dictated by religious books, religion is a center pillar of their society and that leaves a mark.Rules that for us seem preposterous, for them are the word of god...the road they follow it's not easy but it's what they accepted to live, still one thing that should be changed is the choices that women can make, they should be presented with a choice, after some years of living in that community they could choose to stay or to leave their countries, i don't know if that would violate their rules but it would turn everything much more balanced...but still we are talking about religion here sometimes is more fear than will that makes them do what they do. Diogo Pinto 12F

As everyone knows there are several differences between Western countries and Muslin countries, and one of the biggest differences is that women in Muslin countries tend to accept their daily life. This is related to the religion of course, yet I believe that even if women are unhappy they can’t do anything to change that because they are not listening, it’s like they don’t have a voice, and even if they have one they would be ignored. To me, it’s difficult to understand their beliefs and their laws; I honestly think that some practices are completely shameful. However, we can’t judge, can we? It’s their religion, their philosophy of life. Tiago

It’s intangible being forbidden from participating in the social mainstream and having a dark cloud over our integrity and individual freedoms. In comparison with European women, Muslim women are way more annulled socially speaking, since they hardly get to intervene and they see their rights However, in Denmark and Spain, for instance, men have preference in the throne succession. Liechtenstein has an even older system of succession (agnatic primogeniture/Salic law), which completely excludes women from the order of succession unless there are no male heirs of any kind present. I believe, nowadays, in Europe and America, the major issue regarding gender inequality is the hard path women have to cross to reach powerful positions in the work force. That and the fact that domestic violence keeps striking more female victims. Vitória Melo

**C. 1. Check the latest news and comment on WOMEN IN POLITICS in the Guardian ([|Women and Politics]) and state your views on the issue.** A few days ago I found this video: [] It's a petition/letter in the name of millions of women for Syria's First Lady. It's pretty much like a wake up call for the first lady that has been standing on the side of her husband and witnessing all the violence in the country without doing anything. So, a group of people decided to appeal to her humanity and convince her to stand up and do something for all the women of her country. Even if she's not a politician, she has responsibilities as a first lady and as a woman. It's a different side of women in politics. Emilia Mota Some men politicians seem to be affected with the fact women are more and more interested in following a career in politics. I can’t understand why they see women as a threat or as worthless to take this type of job. In my opinion, we should have both, men and women, working in politics because I believe each one have something to give. What it’s really important is to achieve the balance. ** Ana Teresa **

Malawi's president is a role model for other leaders, whether they are women or not. I very much like her statement, it shows how sensible she is to the female journey in her country. She is a powerful woman but she can only accomplish what she has promised if she has the back up of her female supporters. Rita Rebelo I definitely agree with you, we need to raise awareness in order for people to take part in this noble cause not only women but also men. This should be a priority in every citizen schedule and of course the example of Malawi´s president is an important start because if she had the courage to stand up and say no more by herself we have the obligation to help her reach what women in those countries deserve: equality. =Pedro 12ºE=

I recognize her prestige, will power and courage for having been able to change people’s mentality and to lead Malawi. However, in spite of understanding it quite well, it’s hard to me to acknowledge the fact that she feels she’s carrying a heavy load, every women’s weight, every women’s wishes and hopes and dreams. We call ourselves genius, developed, rich, but we are nothing but narrow-minded when we’re responsible for something like this. What kind of genius makes a woman feel like this? What kind of developed country doesn’t give equalitarian chances of being at power to women and men? Is there any richness in putting so much pressure and imposing so many barriers in a person just because that person was born a woman? Vitória Melo

**2. Now female wikimates, would you like to be a polician? And as for you, male wikimates, would you like being ruled by a female president or prime minister? Why (not)?** I wouldn't mind at all if a woman became Prime Minister of Portugal. I only want a honest, intelligent and capable ruler that attends our needs (a leftist if you ask me). I don't give a rat's ass about the PM's gender, colour or religion, as long as he/she does his/her job right. Besides, it's like people's opinion on Obama: "He is not doing great, but sure as hell beats the last one", and pratically anyone is better than what we have. Alexandre Paya I like to be informed about politics and how is Portugal’s situation yet I don’t see myself following that career. Male wikimates, I hope you all answer like Paya J  Ana Teresa

Honestly, power, control, leading I think appeals to any person. I confess that I feel a certain vocation for politics, to make decisions that afect daily lifes, to change opinions, to form opinions. Rita Rebelo

I would like to see, for exchange a woman in power. However, I think I wouldn't make a great leader. You had to spend most of your days working.. signing papers.. and you couldn't even walk in the streets without getting booed. I guess you would have to be very patient to be on that kind of job. Mariana Marques

Paya's opinion is my own. I absolutely don't care who is running the country as long as it performs accordingly to our expectations. We need someone who can drive the country into prosperity and gender doesn't really matter. If that someone has to be a woman, so be it, i'm ok with that. Telmo 12E

I really liked Alexandre's answer. To me, whoever is in control of a country has to be determinated, honest and capable of fulfilling the society needs, and that does not depend on the gender. However, specially nowdays with our extremely delicate situation, we also need someone attentive and sensitive to the population's problems, because I believe that we can only develop if we're all working as a whole, and perhaps that's one of the advantages women have upon men, maybe due to the maternal side, I dont know, but that's the idea I have. About my future, I have no idea, but I wouldn't like to be a politician, I feel it'd be too much pressure on daily life, I wouldn't know how to deal with it. Ana Carolina Alb.

Since we never had a female prime minister or president is hard to say if they would be better or not, but in the end it isn't the genre that makes someone better or worse at their job. maybe a women would be more compassionate and determined, but maybe men are more straightforward and are able to fight for what they want (even if it isn't the right thing to do)...so it isn't easy to say, it's somewhat of a balanced scale when it comes to men and women. ** Diogo Pinto 12F ** I wouldn't like to be the prime minister of this country at all. (: I believe that, in an evolved and civilized society, people don't think of the fact that this or that politician is a woman or not. If women and men are really seen as equall, that question isn't relevant, and if it is that women are in a powerfull position, no one gives it a lot of importance. I mean: people give it as much importance if it is a man as if it is a woman. **Joana Pereira, 12thF**

I think competence, commitment and gender have no connection, a men can be more objective in certain subjects and women more subjective and emotional , and the difference is often there. However, the objectivity/ subjectivity depends on  the situations , and <span class="hps" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">sometimes being more emotional let us view a side which can change many crucial decision. But I would like to see more <span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> interventive <span class="hps" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">women in national and global politics, particularly as portuguese prime minister <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">. Margarida Aguiar

Men or Women, it doesn´t matter as long as competence, justice and equality are present in them.The only thing that should matter is the quality of the work and the economical and social evolution of the country and in order to achieve that we need a great male or female leader and that is what really matters. And in Portugal we had a female Primer Minister it was Maria de Lurdes Pintassilgo. =** Pedro12ºE **= = = Obviously, I don’t mind that a woman could lead our country, as prime-minister or president. Without any doubt, throughout the history, female prime-ministers have already showed us that women can also lead a country very well. Take Margaret Thatcher as an example, she managed to rule England for several years. So, as it was already mentioned, I also think that it just depends on the way the country is ruled and not on sexual gender of the prime minister. Tiago

For me is the same to see a man or a women in the charge, but one thing is for sure, work and dedication are the most important things to govern a country, and a men or a women that doesn´t have these characteristics can´t lead a country, so the gender is not the most important, but yes the ability of each person. We have an exemple here in Europe, Angela Merkel, she´s the chancellor of germany, and for now germany´s sittuation is very good. Rui Neves 12E

When I was three I used to say that I wanted to be President of Portugal and in spite of being a childish fantasy, I’ve always responded to a strong calling from politics. It’s in my personality, I’m stubborn and usually persuasive, I try to be aware of each day political, economical and social context so that I can impede myself from falling in the mistake of talking without substantial knowledge. It’s commonly said that women can lead men to do whatever they want. If founded on honesty, intelligence, wisdom, caution and strength (which I think is shared by people from both genders) a woman at power is always a good bet because at least half of the population will move according to what is said ;) Vitória Melo

Well, I would certainly like to be a powerful, intelligent and respected woman in the future, but I don't fit in the political world. Still, I hope that someday my country is ruled by a woman that will make us all proud and prove that we can deal with political matters as well as men, or even better. We have an internatioanl proof: Angela Merkel. She represents one of the most prosperous countries in the world and is one of the most influential people, a great example. Finally, I'm pleased that the men in our class would accept one of us in power. In the end, it all comes to that: no matter what color, gender or religion, the important is that that person is capable to do its job efficiently and be strong. Emilia Mota