Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal, March 6, 2026 (Lusa) - The wage gap between men and women in the Portuguese Azores archipelago is lower than the national average and there is a greater number of women in middle management positions in the civil service, but challenges remain for "effective equality," the government said on Friday.
"Despite the progress made, it is still necessary to raise awareness, monitor and implement public policies that promote effective equality between women and men," said Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security Mónica Seidi on International Women's Day, which is celebrated annually on 8 March.
The minister marked the date with a group photo that brought together more than a hundred female employees from the secretariat's services who wanted to join the initiative, at the Solar dos Remédios building in Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira Island, according to the Azorean Government.
In a statement, the regional government (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) cites the Barometer of Remuneration Differences (2023 data, published in 2025), noting that the Azores have a gender pay gap (gap or differential in pay between men and women) of 11.3% in basic pay and 13.3% in average earnings, with a figure for the national average of 12.5% and 15.4%, respectively, "showing a trend towards reducing pay inequalities in the region".
In management and leadership positions in the regional public administration, the data indicate a greater female presence at intermediate levels. Women represent 53% of intermediate positions, while in senior management positions, female representation is 43.7%, it adds.
Mónica Seidi pointed out that International Women's Day is also an opportunity to highlight the role of women in the social, economic and institutional development of the Azores, emphasising the importance of continuing to strengthen policies that guarantee effective equality of opportunity.
"Marking International Women's Day also reaffirms the commitment of the regional government of the Azores to a more just, equitable and discrimination-free society," stressed the regional secretary.
APE/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
