Between 2018 and 2024, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the Bissaya Barreto Foundation, through the EEA Grants, invested 11.3 million euros in the Active Citizens Programme. This involved more than 65,000 beneficiaries and more than 250 NGOs, influencing more than 10 public policies and laws.

Three of these results, which led to better laws, are well illustrated in a report by SIC Notícias on March 7, 2025, specifically through projects promoted by the Acreditar Association, the Youth Network for Equality and the Lisbon Institute of Global Mental Health.

The “Capacitar para Acreditar” (empower to believe) project, promoted by Acreditar – Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Cancer, advocated for the extension of the parental mourning period from five to twenty days, resulting in the amendment of Article 251 of the Labor Code.

The “Faz Delete” (delete it) project of the Youth Network for Equality focused on creating legislation to combat image-based sexual violence (IBSV). It conducted a study on the prevalence of IBSV among young people between the ages of 18 and 25, which led to the approval of Law No. 26/2023, which strengthens the protection of victims of non-consensual dissemination of intimate content.

The “Mh Rights” project, promoted by the Lisbon Institute of Global Mental Health, contributed to the implementation of mental health policies and legislation in Portugal, resulting in the publication of Decree-Law No. 113/2021, which establishes the principles and rules of mental health services.

At a time when the Portuguese people’s confidence in the functioning of democracy is at an all-time low, it is important to rely on data, but above all to remember what the latest OECD study tells us about the Portuguese reality. More than socio-economic status, qualifications or even income, the main determinant of trust is the perception that each citizen’s voice is heard.

The results of these projects show how important it is for citizens to be heard and to influence the laws that directly affect them, not only to ensure that public policies meet people’s real needs, but also to strengthen trust in democracy, a political system designed to include and unite everyone.