The Portuguese 25th April 1974 revolution introduced a process of democratization. It was also the beginning of women’s general participation in elections, both as voters and elected representatives, as well as their recognition as equal to men in all aspects of social, economic and political life. After a historical analysis of women’s political participation in Portugal, we follow women in local government as members of the earlier administrative committees which ruled municipalities from 1974 until the first local elections which took place on 12th December 1976, as elected representatives from 1976 to the latest 2013 elections, and their present role as participative citizens. Although four decades have gone by, women’s representation in Portuguese politics is still low. A sociological study of this group reveals higher educational levels and specialized jobs, particularly in teaching and management, as well as party membership.

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women,mayors,Portugal,democracy,representation,parties,independents