The Lisbon Academy of Sciences hosted the Inspiring Women awards ceremony Maria João Avillez received the Career Award, presented by Luís Marques Mendes, jury member Photos João Lima/ Luís Coelho "A few days ago, when I invited a friend to be present at this ceremony, she asked me why we didn't include inspiring men as well. For several reasons that I explained to her. But for me, the biggest one of all is knowing that according to the latest UN Gender Equality report, at the current rate of progress, it will take 286 years - almost three centuries - for women to have the same legal rights and protections as men. Imagine, all the women and men here, that neither your daughters nor your granddaughters will be allowed to live in full equality. It is a very harsh reality and a very long number that must be reduced." It was with this reflection from the director of ACTIVA, Natalina Almeida, that the 5th edition of the ACTIVA Inspiring Women Awards began, which was held yesterday, April 18th, at the elegant and iconic Lisbon Academy of Sciences, and which aims to reward precisely the work of women who, according to the jury, have stood out in the last year in the following areas: Arts, Science, Sports, Business, Solidarity, and Sustainability. If there were any doubts about the long way we still have to go for men and women to have the same rights and privileges in a fair society, the numbers mentioned above serve as a warning for us not to lower our guard, despite all that has been achieved. However, we must look to the future with optimism, give voice to and recognize the work and contribution that many women of various ages and in the most varied areas have given to society and to female empowerment. This is exactly the goal of these awards that recognize women who inspire us and, we believe, can inspire many others, especially the younger ones, whose paths are yet to be taken. On this late spring afternoon with summer temperatures, in an iconic and beautiful space in Lisbon, ACTIVA recognized and awarded the work of women who, in the jury's opinion, stood out in the last year in the areas mentioned above. However, despite only one winning in each category, it should be noted that being nominated is in itself a recognition of their valuable contribution. Lisa Ferreira Vicente and Fillipa Pinto Coelho, winners in the Science and Solidarity categories Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho And in the Arts category, the award was given to comedian Joana Marques, who, through her corrosive humor, sometimes extremely unpleasant, leaves no one indifferent and adds friends and also enemies. Joana Marques could not be present, but with her renowned humor she left a message of thanks and warned that in the next edition of the Activa Awards she will provide an extensive list of truly inspiring women unlike her. Gynecologist and obstetrician Lisa Ferreira Vicente was the big winner in the Science category for her work in women's health. "When I received the email saying that I was nominated, I confess that it took me a while to realize that this was not a joke and that I had been considered inspirational," she revealed in her acceptance speech. Lisa Ferreira Vicente, who is also a sexologist, was a collaborator of the National Program for Reproductive Health and head of the Division of Reproductive Health of the DGS. She returned to work at the Maternal and Fetal Medicine Service of the Alfredo da Costa Maternity in 2016. The award in the Sports category was given to professional surfer Teresa Bonvalot, who at the age of 23 already has four WQS (World Qualifying Series) European Championship titles on her resume, among other distinctions. The young athlete could not be present but was represented by her sister, Leonor Bonvalot, who praised her sister's commitment, dedication and spirit of sacrifice. Clara Raposo, former president of ISEG and vice-governor of the Bank of Portugal, was awarded the prize in the Business category. In her words of thanks for the award she recognized the importance of this distinction and, above all, the fact of knowing that her work, that of all the nominees, and that of many other women is followed with attention. Clara Raposo also revealed a keen sense of humor, cleverly deconstructing the idea that a businesswoman has to have a gray profile. Clara Raposo, winner in the Business category Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho In the Solidarity category, Filipa Pinto Coelho, President of VilacomVida, an institution born from her personal experience as the mother of a child with trisomy 21 and with the objective of helping people with disability or cognitive deficit problems (such as trisomy 21 or autism spectrum disorders) to obtain the necessary skills to lead an autonomous and integrated life, was distinguished. An emotional speech that highlighted how much she has learned on this journey alongside her son Manuel. Finally, Catarina de Albuquerque, who was also unable to attend the ceremony, received the award - materialized in a trophy by ceramist Anna Westerlund - in the Sustainability category, sponsored by Endesa, for her work as CEO of Sanitation and Water for All. The highlight of the ceremony was the Career Award, which this year honored the contribution and professional career of journalist and writer Maria João Avillez, 78, who for professional reasons could not be present at the ceremony. When awarding the prize, Luís Marques Mendes, member of the jury, recalled the importance of Maria João Avilez's role in society: "It's a privilege to give this prize to Maria João Avillez, for whom I have a deep admiration. It is impossible to make the history of almost 50 years of our democracy without counting on Maria João Avillez's contribution, example, and reference. ACTIVA also thanks the sponsors of the Inspiring Women awards, Endesa, Lierac and C&A, for their contribution and trust in a ceremony marked by an intimate atmosphere, where there was also a musical moment to the sound of the talented Salvador Seixas. See some moments of the ceremony! The noble hall of the Lisbon Academy of Sciences was the perfect setting for the award ceremony Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Endesa, sponsors of the 2022 Activa Women Inpirators Awards and the Sustainability catergory Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lierac, Endesa and C&A, the sponsors of the Activa Inspiring Women 2022 Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Maria Oliveira and Ana Pires Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lierac Team: Clara Correia, Vaness Gomes, Pedro Azevedo, Margarida Almeida, Cláudia Teixeira, Adriana Cunha e Inês Mota Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Júlia Llata and Rafel Correia, Endesa Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Daniela Pereira, Sofia Cruz and Elsa Tomé (Activa) Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Filipa Pinto Coelho and Manuel Pinto Coelho Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Filipa Frias and Ana Baleizão, LOréal Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Ana Margarida Santos, Fashion & Brand PR manager at C&A Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Isabel Canha and Maria Serina Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho C&A, sponsor of the Activa Inspiring Women Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lierac. official sponsor of the Inspiring Women Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Mafalda Anjos, director of Visão magazine and member of the jury Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Salvador Seixas' band was responsible for the musical moment Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Cláudia Serra Campos and Vânia Delgado (TrustinNews) Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Leonor Bonvalot received the award on behalf of her sister, Teresa Bonvalot in the Sports category Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Ana Margarida Santos, Fashion & Brand PR manager at C&A Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Rosa de Oliveira Pinto, presenter of the ACTIVA Inspiring Women 2022 Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Conceição Zagalo, jury member, and Filipa Pinto Coelho, winner of the Solidarity category Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lisa Ferreira Vicente, winner in the Science category, and Maria de Belém Roseira, jury member Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Maria João Avillez received the Career Award, presented by Luís Marques Mendes, member of the jury Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Activa Inspiring Women 2022 Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho The Lisbon Academy of Sciences was the stage for the delivery of the ACTIVA Inspiring Women 2022 Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lucélia Cruz Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho The trophy of the ACTIVA Inspiring Women Awards by ceramist Anna Westerlund Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Mafalda Anjos, Conceição Zagalo and Maria de Belém Roseira, members of the jury Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lisa Ferreira Vicente, gynecologist and obstetrician. ACTIVA Inspiring Women 2022 Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Miguel Isaac, Joana Marques' agent, received the award in the Arts category on behalf of the humorist Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Manuel Pinto Coelho and his daughter, Filipa Pinto Coelho Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Jury: Luís Marques Mendes, Mafalda Anjos, Conceição Zagalo, and Maria de Belém Roseira Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lisa Ferreira Vicente and Fillipa Pinto Coelho Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Ana Margarida Santos, Fashion & Brand PR manager at C&A Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Filipa Pinto Coelho, winner in the Solidarity category Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Estíbaliz Vicario Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Inspiring Women ACTIVA Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Clara Raposo, winner in the Business category, received the award from Pedro Azevedo. General Director of Native Laboratories Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Rafel Correia da Silva, Marketing Manager of Endesa Portugal and Rosa de Oliveira Pinto Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Salvador Seixas' showcase Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lisa Ferreira Vicente, gynecologist and obstetrician, winner in the Science category Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Clara Raposo. winner in the Business category Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Filipa Pinto Coelho, President of VilacomVida Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Every year, ACTIVA magazine elects the Inspiring Women who stood out in the following areas: Arts, Science, Sports, Business, Solidarity and Sustainability. The Career Award is also given. This is already the fifth year that the Prize has been awarded, in a ceremony held at the Lisbon Academy of Sciences. The jury is composed of Conceição Zagalo, Luís Marques Mendes, Mafalda Anjos, Maria de Belém Roseira, and also the director of ACTIVA magazine, Natalina de Almeida. The Awards have the fundamental support of the brands C&A, Endesa (which also supports the Sustainability category) and Lierac. The noble hall of the Lisbon Academy of Sciences was the perfect setting for the awards ceremony Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Endesa, sponsors of the 2022 Activa Women Inpirators Awards and the Sustainability catergory Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lierac, Endesa and C&A, the sponsors of the Activa Inspiring Women 2022 Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Maria Oliveira and Ana Pires Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lierac Team: Clara Correia, Vaness Gomes, Pedro Azevedo, Margarida Almeida, Cláudia Teixeira, Adriana Cunha e Inês Mota Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Júlia Llata and Rafel Correia, Endesa Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Daniela Pereira, Sofia Cruz and Elsa Tomé (Activa) Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Filipa Pinto Coelho and Manuel Pinto Coelho Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Filipa Frias and Ana Baleizão, LOréal Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Ana Margarida Santos, Fashion & Brand PR manager at C&A Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Isabel Canha and Maria Serina Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho C&A, sponsor of the Activa Inspiring Women Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lierac. official sponsor of the Inspiring Women Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Mafalda Anjos, director of Visão magazine and member of the jury Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Salvador Seixas' band was responsible for the musical moment Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Cláudia Serra Campos and Vânia Delgado (TrustinNews) Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Leonor Bonvalot received the award on behalf of her sister, Teresa Bonvalot in the Sports category Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Ana Margarida Santos, Fashion & Brand PR manager at C&A Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Rosa de Oliveira Pinto, presenter of the ACTIVA Inspiring Women 2022 Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Conceição Zagalo, jury member, and Filipa Pinto Coelho, winner of the Solidarity category Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lisa Ferreira Vicente, winner in the Science category, and Maria de Belém Roseira, jury member Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Maria João Avillez received the Career Award, presented by Luís Marques Mendes, member of the jury Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Activa Inspiring Women 2022 Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho The Lisbon Academy of Sciences was the stage for the delivery of the ACTIVA Inspiring Women 2022 Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lucélia Cruz Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho The trophy of the ACTIVA Inspiring Women Awards by ceramist Anna Westerlund Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Mafalda Anjos, Conceição Zagalo and Maria de Belém Roseira, members of the jury Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lisa Ferreira Vicente, gynecologist and obstetrician. ACTIVA Inspiring Women 2022 Awards Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Miguel Isaac, Joana Marques' agent, received the award in the Arts category on behalf of the humorist Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Manuel Pinto Coelho and his daughter, Filipa Pinto Coelho Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Jury: Luís Marques Mendes, Mafalda Anjos, Conceição Zagalo, and Maria de Belém Roseira Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lisa Ferreira Vicente and Fillipa Pinto Coelho Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Ana Margarida Santos, Fashion & Brand PR manager at C&A Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Filipa Pinto Coelho, winner in the Solidarity category Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Estíbaliz Vicario Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Inspiring Women ACTIVA Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Clara Raposo, winner in the Business category, received the award from Pedro Azevedo. General Director of Native Laboratories Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Rafel Correia da Silva, Marketing Manager of Endesa Portugal and Rosa de Oliveira Pinto Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Salvador Seixas' showcase Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Lisa Ferreira Vicente, gynecologist and obstetrician, winner in the Science category Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Clara Raposo. winner in the Business category Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho Filipa Pinto Coelho, President of VilacomVida Photos João Lima/Luís Coelho [Additional Text]: ACTIVA Awards recognize the work of 7 women who inspire us every day