Parental leave and the sexual division of labor in Portugal

Abstract

This article discusses the extent of parental leave in Portugal and its influence on the equality of the division of domestic work between the sexes. Through a bibliographical and documentary review, applying the deductive method, the study analyzes the historical inequality in the division of domestic work between men and women. The research investigates whether the State, through policies such as parental leave, can promote changes in this context, using Portugal as a case study due to the progressive increase of these policies over the last decades. Based on statistical data from the country, it is concluded that Portugal has made progress in promoting gender equality by implementing effective public policies, such as shared parental leave, resulting in greater female participation in the labor market and breaking gender stereotypes, highlighting the importance of protecting women's rights to guarantee democracy and human rights.