On the 27th of January, the Lúcio Craveiro da Silva Library hosted the seminar “Cultural Resistance in the Feminine: Intergenerational Legacies and Heritages”. This event provided a unique opportunity to reflect on the 50 years of democracy in Portugal and the urgency of debates that address not only the struggle for democracy but also issues of gender, identity, and culture.

The seminar brought together personalities from different academic and civil areas, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of MigraMediaActs. Álvaro Vasconcelos, writer, researcher, and founder of Fórum Demos, Ana Cristina Pereira, researcher and activist, Maria Matilde Nicolau, jurist, Miguel de Barros, sociologist and researcher, and Teresa de Sousa, journalist. Sheila Khan and Rosa Cabecinhas moderated the discussion.

From left to right: Rosa Cabecinhas, Miguel de Barros, Maria Matilde Nicolau, Sheila Khan and Ana Cristina Pereira. Photography by Chisoka Simões.

From left to right: Miguel de Barros, Maria Matilde Nicolau, Sheila Khan and Ana Cristina Pereira. Photography by Rosa Cabecinhas.

From left to right: Rosa Cabecinhas, Miguel de Barros, Maria Matilde Nicolau, Álvaro Vasconcelos (Screen), Sheila Khan and Ana Cristina Pereira. Photography by Chisoka Simões.

From left to right: Sheila Khan and Ana Cristina Pereira. Photography by Chisoka Simões.

The event aimed to revive the memories of women who played significant roles not only in the democratic transition in Portugal but also in the resistance to the Estado Novo regime, exploring the intergenerational legacies and heritages that shaped today’s society. In this seminar, reflections on an inclusive citizenship that is open to the growing contemporary challenges were also fundamental.

In this sense, this meeting aimed to make these voices alive, and present and audible, along with memories, perceptions, and reflections that matter deeply in the active construction of cultural resistance.

The event was organized by: Sheila Khan (CECS, University of Minho), Álvaro Vasconcelos (Fórum Demos), Rosa Cabecinhas (CECS, University of Minho), Chisoka Simões (CECS, University of Minho).