Portuguese women who fight for the environment
Last year,
To celebrate the date this year, we decided to focus on six Portuguese women who play a fundamental role in the fight for a fairer and more sustainable country and world, where the environment is properly valued.
These women are true inspirations and their actions have had a significant impact in promoting environmental awareness, advocating sustainable policies and creating positive changes in our society.
Joana Guerra Tadeu
Joana Guerra Tadeu was born in Lisbon and is an activist committed to environmental and social causes. With a degree in Communication Sciences from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, her professional career is extensive, but she currently dedicates her time to climate justice, writing, producing and presenting content and climate awareness initiatives, sustainability and development.
In 2016, she was one of the founders of the cooperative A MONTRA / THE WINDOW , a pioneer as the first Portuguese online chain and store to focus on sustainable curation . In this initiative, she played the role of project and operations manager until its closure in 2017.
Self-titled as #Impactfluencer, she is responsible for the project Imperfect Environmentalist, which she describes as being “ a space for intersectional activism where all pressing issues between climate action and social justice fit.” Through the project, it was able to create a community that operates based on scientific evidence, avoiding extremes and not demanding perfection, adapted to each person's daily life.
Joana has been featured in Activia, Vogue and Magg and, in addition to her work in the digital world, she is also an author, presenter of a podcast dedicated to millennial mothers, childcare, speaker in lectures and also consults on projects for green entrepreneurs.
Eunice Maia
Eunice Maia is the founder of Maria Granel, the first zero waste store and 100% organic bulk grocery store in the country, which opened in 2015. Eunice was one of the first people to promote the concept of zero waste in consumption and lifestyle, significantly contributing to raising awareness in society about the negative effects of plastic.
Through lectures, consultancies, workshops and events with national and international guests, it has shared sustainable alternatives to reduce waste, demonstrating its commitment and mission. In addition, Eunice is also the author of the books “Desafio Zero – Practical guide to reducing waste inside and outside the home” and “Say no to waste with Simão ” (co-authored with Betweien).
Eunice is also responsible for the educational project Z(h)ero Program, aimed at schools and other institutions, which earned her the Terre de Femmes award 2019, which annually distinguishes women for their contribution to the preservation of biodiversity.
Ana Pêgo
Ana Pêgo is a Portuguese marine biologist dedicated to environmental education, combining science and art to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving the oceans. Since 2012, he has dedicated himself to environmental education projects, where he uses his passion for the sea to inspire and educate people of all ages.
In 2015, Ana created the project Plasticus Maritimus, which aims to raise awareness of the problem of plastic waste in the oceans. The project includes workshops, training and exhibitions in Portugal and abroad, and resulted in the publication of the book "Plasticus maritimus, an invasive species" co-authored with Isabel Minhós Martins. The book, recommended by the National Reading Plan, is in its 5th edition in Portugal and translated into 11 languages.
Her work has been widely recognized, having received several awards, including 3rd place in the Premio Terre de Femmes 2020 from the Yves Rocher Foundation, the Premio Quercus 2020 in the individual category and nomination for the Activa Award, Inspiring Women 2020.
Catarina Barreiros
Catarina Barreiros, architect and founder of the store Do Zero, is a figure of great relevance in the area of sustainability in Portugal. Through its online business, which has evolved into a physical store, it meets the needs of an environmentally conscious public, focused on reuse and recycling.
With a master's degree in Architecture and Management, Catarina Barreiros followed paths in Digital Marketing, working in the fashion and pharmacy sectors. However, it was her passion for sustainability that drove her to dedicate herself to this topic in her life.
In addition to managing her business, Catarina also offers consultancy to small businesses and conducts workshops and training.
Alexandra Cunha
Alexandra Cunha is a Portuguese marine biologist, environmentalist and researcher, admired in the field of nature and environmental conservation. Since 2009, he has held the national presidency of the Liga for the Protection of Nature, the oldest environmental protection association in Portugal.
Born in Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) in 1962, Alexandra Cunha followed an impressive academic path. His love for the sea and nature conservation began when he was still a high school student in Portimão and it was this passion that boosted his professional career and environmental activism.
As a researcher at the Algarve Sea Science Center (CCMAR), Alexandra coordinated several marine conservation projects, including Life Biomares and FindKelp . The first focused on the preservation and recovery of biodiversity in the Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, in the Arrábida Natural Park. The second, carried out along the entire Portuguese coast, deepened knowledge about kelp species and associated ecosystems. In addition, she has presented her research at national and international congresses, published scientific articles and actively participated in environmental protection.
Helena Antónia Silva
Helena Antónia Silva, the founder of the collaborative platform Vintage for a Cause, is a notable figure on the sustainable fashion scene in Portugal. Since its creation in 2013, the Vintage for a Cause brand has been a point of innovation and environmental commitment.
Despite her law degree, Helena Antónia decided to follow a different path, dedicating herself to sustainability and upcycling of clothing. Your brand produces environmentally friendly clothing using materials from textile factory waste that would otherwise be discarded. Furthermore, Vintage for a Cause has a strong social impact, investing in women's training and promoting circular fashion.
Helena Antónia Silva was recognized for her work and impact, receiving support from the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian and having been awarded by the Fundação Yves Rocher Portugal. She was also considered one of the 100 Most Important Women in Social Entrepreneurship in Europe.