National Guidelines in Portugal - National Action Plan for Inclusion, Portugal, 2001-2003
(PNAI - Plano Nacional de Acção para a Inclusão)

The National Action Plan for Inclusion was devised in the framework of the European Process for Social Inclusion. It applies the directives decided at the EU Nice Summit in 2000 to the reality of Portugal.

The PNAI is an instrument aimed at increasing capacity to act on the causes of problems and not only on their manifestations. The interventions are planned both on institutional structures and on individual attitudes, from a perspective of development of the country. It involves all relevant actors, from different sectors of central administration, local administration and civil society.

The PNAI is based on a set of principles, among which is included:

1. Recognition of the importance of equal opportunities between men and women;
2. Consideration of gender perspectives when analysing situations, implementing responses and assessing results.

The Portuguese government has set six major strategic lines as priorities, among which is the promotion of "true equality between women and men, in both public and private domains, in order to implement a gender contract, which is a condition for democracy, a prerequisite for citizenship and a guarantee of individual autonomy and freedom".

The PNAI also points at the reconciliation of professional with family life and equal opportunities between men and women for both economic and civic participation, as well as participation in family life, as vital objectives.

The Plan systematically devises precise measures to achieve the objectives set out in the first part of the document. Moreover, it presents the existing programs and looks at ways to strengthen and improve them.