Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo
Eng. Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo (1930-2004)
Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo was the first woman (the only one to date) to hold the office of Prime Minister in Portugal. She led the 5th Constitutional Government, from 31 July 1979 to 3 January 1980, in the 3rd Portuguese Republic.
Born on 18 January 1930, her trajectory was singular. She chose to study Chemical Engineering. Through her participation in the Portuguese and international Catholic movement, she achieved great prominence at a very young age.
This prominence, combined with her awareness of social issues, led her to political involvement, with a constant participation in institutional politics in Portugal. After her defeat as a candidate in the presidential elections, her intervention shifted to involvement in international organizations, where she held various leadership positions. Social justice, women's participation in society and the international dimension of all issues were her causes.
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