One of the interviewees from Power To, Maria João Antunes, has published the book Ecos de Mudança, an urgent call for men to join the fight for gender equality. Social change needs to begin with their support.
“Gender equality cannot be achieved without men. It was with this conviction that I wrote Ecos de Mudança.
After publishing my first book, Women’s Empowerment in Action, dedicated to helping women develop their leadership careers, I realized I was only doing half the work. The society I aspire to—one with equal rights and respect for all, as enshrined in the constitution—is still far from what it should be. To get there, we need to do more; we need men to stand with us in this fight.
The numbers, unfortunately, do not lie. Data from APAV, ACT, CITE and even the PSP/GNR confirm what we see every day: a residual percentage of women in top corporate positions, pregnant or breastfeeding women being dismissed, glaring wage disparities, and the social scourge of assaults and deaths affecting mostly women. These are not feelings; they are facts. We live in a country still marked by paternalism and machismo. There is no point in hiding this reality. But we also cannot resign ourselves to it. We can evolve, we can challenge prejudices, and we can act.
Education has always been, for me, the key to that change. As Nelson Mandela so wisely said: “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” It was with this in mind that I decided to build this project collaboratively.
In this book, I gave a voice to those who are rarely invited into this conversation. I asked men: What do you think should be done to mitigate this social issue? And I invited them to appreciate, value, and comment on the testimonies of 16 women interviewed, who share how they demanded non‑negotiable respect, the strategies they used to break invisible barriers, and the tools they rely on to turn theoretical rights into tangible reality.
These men were true allies who offered partnership, showing in practice what it means to stand beside women, while also presenting solutions for a fairer future.
The result was a surprising convergence of opinions that validates, above all, the urgent need for us to act together on multiple fronts.
My purpose was to go beyond intention—I wanted to launch a challenging and structured plan that prepares us for action, one that confronts the deeply rooted sociocultural structures in our country. Because while we are all full of good intentions, what we truly lack is action.
Echoes of Change presents a 6‑ to 8‑year challenge, depending on resources and commitment, outlining my strategy based on:
- Reformulating the educational process from primary school to university, with a strong focus on respect, gender equality, and essential skills such as listening before reacting; giving feedback without offending; managing emotions under pressure; and practicing empathy.
- Creating a mandatory corporate regulation for gender equality.
- Establishing a strong system of state‑imposed sanctions.
- Launching national awareness campaigns, using the media not only to inform but also to educate civil society.
To policymakers, the book offers proposals for public policies, challenging the government to innovate and reflect, to legislate again if necessary, and to regulate better, creating legal structures that promote equality and social justice.
It emphasizes the importance of the business sector establishing gender‑equality policies that are actually implemented, developing truly inclusive cultures and methods to transform diversity from discourse into effective practice.
I believe education is the foundation of everything. It shapes mindsets, breaks down prejudices, and builds futures. That is why I dedicated a chapter to it. If we want a more productive, prosperous, and truly equal society, transformation must begin in the academic world—from primary school to university. Only then will we form citizens who are more aware, respectful, and committed to equality. It is essential that this process begins NOW.
And because one of the main goals is to bring men to our side, I also considered it important to address their role in more detail—especially male leaders who sometimes show resistance or difficulty in supporting their female colleagues. This chapter includes a guide, a self‑reflection tool designed to help men.
This book is a compendium of voices and experiences that guide us toward action.
I am committed to contributing to a more respectful and equal civil society. Therefore, I leave you, dear reader, with the following challenge:
Share good practices. Influence those around you on the path toward equality and mutual respect. Raise awareness. Mobilize men and women in the same direction. Defend those who are threatened. Report those who commit aggression. And above all, face challenges with the example of courage.
Because change is not something we wait for. It is something we make. And it is urgent that we make it together.”