Promoting Policies for Work-Life balance and Gender Equality in the Labour Market in Portugal

Promoting Policies for Work-Life balance and Gender Equality in the Labour Market in Portugal

The European Commission supports the Portuguese government in improving work-life balance and gender equality in the labour market. Funded by the EU’s Technical Support Instrument, it provides expert assistance to the Portuguese government to identify barriers and strengthen institutional capacity to implement, monitor and promote legislative, policy measures and practices. Expected results include more effective legislative and policy enforcement and better outcomes for gender equality, work-life balance and decent work for all.

Context

This Project responds to persistent gender inequalities and decent work deficits in the Portuguese labour market, particularly related to the gender pay gap, occupational and sectoral segregation and growing demands on care work considering demographic changes. It aligns with EU priorities on social fairness within the European Pillar of Social Rights and the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025, and complements the Recovery and Resilience Facility by promoting inclusive growth. Key challenges include gaps in policy implementation, enforcement, and monitoring, as well as sociocultural barriers. The project addresses these by strengthening institutional capacity and identifying good practices and targeted reforms. Current challenges include limited monitoring and the need to coordinate inputs from multiple stakeholders, which the project mitigates through structured dialogue and technical expertise.

Support delivered

The project is organised into five main phases: 

1. Initial Diagnosis 

Mapping of the legal and institutional framework and governance structures. 

2. International Comparative Analysis 

Review of international good practices, with recommendations that can be adapted to the Portuguese context and presented in the context of a seminar. 

3. Formulation of Recommendations 

Proposals for improvements to legislative and institutional mechanisms, including inter-institutional coordination, monitoring and stakeholder involvement. 

4. Capacity Building and Skills Development 

Organisation by the ILO International Training Centre (ITCILO) of three mixed training sessions (one week online + one week face-to-face) in Portugal, with the aim of supporting the implementation of the recommendations. 

5. Public Dissemination 

Presentation of the recommendations to a wide audience, promoting debate and ownership of the proposals

Expected results

Final report with specific recommendations applicable to the Portuguese context, to strengthen the application of legislative and institutional frameworks. The report will integrate data collected throughout the project, international good practices and contributions from stakeholders, offering concrete proposals to overcome the gaps identified. 

The recommendations will include proposals to:

• Improve the application of the legislative framework and inter-institutional coordination;
• Strengthen data collection, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms;

Actively involving stakeholders in the process of designing and implementing public policies.