The Municipality of Lagoa received, for the sixth consecutive time, the Live in Equality Award, for the 2026-2027 biennium. This distinction, awarded by the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality (CIG), recognizes the good practices developed by municipalities in integrating the gender perspective and combating all forms of discrimination.
Since 2016, Lagoa has been recognized, affirming the continuity of municipal work in promoting equality, social inclusion, and non-discrimination. This year's edition featured 71 applications from 70 Municipal Councils and one Parish Council. The award ceremony took place on October 26, at Casa da Música in Porto.
The Mayor of Lagoa Municipality, Luís Encarnação, highlighted that “this distinction represents the recognition of work that has been developed continuously and transversally”. He emphasized that “equality and non-discrimination cannot be just principles written in strategic documents; they must be present in decisions, public policies, and daily interactions with people”.
Following this commitment, the Municipality formally established, on October 27, the new Team for Equality in Local Life (EIVL). This structure will oversee the implementation of the V Municipal Plan for Equality and Non-Discrimination of Lagoa (PMIND 2025-2030).
The EIVL includes representatives from municipal services, the Municipal Assembly, Parish Councils and Unions, Social Solidarity Private Institutions (IPSS), and educational establishments. Specialized entities such as APAV and Questão de Igualdade also participate. The meeting was led by councilwoman Anabela Ribeiro, with the advisory support of Local Counselors for Equality, Sandra Generoso and Rosa Monteiro.
During the session, the Declaration of Commitment was signed, the Regulations were approved, and the PMIND Execution Report for 2025 was reviewed. The awarding of the prize and the establishment of the EIVL reinforce the strategic direction of the Municipality of Lagoa in this area.
