Poetry of resistance is a powerful expression of the people’s voice against oppression, injustice and tyranny. Transcending cultural boundaries, it unites people in their quest for justice and freedom, challenging systems of power and amplifying marginalized voices. Its impact lies in its ability to inspire change and raise awareness, strengthening communities fighting for global justice. Through poetry, marginalized voices gain expression, giving a voice to the voiceless. This means of expression challenges norms and barriers, raising awareness of social justice issues and contributing to cultural and political transformation. Poetry of resistance thus not only denounces injustice, but also inspires action and strengthens social movements in search of equality and equity. It plays a crucial role in amplifying women’s voices and denouncing the injustices they face. This type of poetry allows women to express their experiences, frustrations and hopes in a way that challenges oppressive gender norms and promotes equality. It also highlights specific issues that affect women, such as sexism, machismo, gender-based violence and discrimination at work.
By sharing their stories and perspectives through poetry, women resist exclusion and contribute to social change. This medium of expression challenges norms and barriers, raising awareness of gender justice issues and contributing to cultural and political transformation.
Irene Lisboa (1892-1958) was a Portuguese writer who faced censorship during the dictatorship of António de Oliveira Salazar. Lisboa’s works often dealt with themes that challenged the regime’s ideology, resulting in restrictions on her writing and public expression. “O Lavra” (the plough) is a novel written by Irene Lisboa (1938). It portrays rural life in Portugal, focussing essentially on the difficulties faced by peasants and the social and political issues of the time. The book is considered a critique of the agricultural system and the social inequalities that existed during the Salazar dictatorship.
Maria Lamas (1893-1983) was also a Portuguese writer, feminist and social activist who also faced censorship during the Salazar regime. Her works and activities often challenged the conservative norms of the time and were consequently subject to restrictions and persecution by the authoritarian government. One of Maria Lamas’ most important works is “As Mulheres do Meu País”. In this work, she draws a comprehensive portrait of Portuguese women in various spheres of society, highlighting their struggles, challenges and achievements throughout history. This work is considered a milestone in feminist literature in Portugal.
Sophia de Mello Breyner Andersen (1919-2004), one of the most important Portuguese poets of the 20th century, also faced censorship during the Salazar regime. Her works often expressed social and political criticism, which made them the target of surveillance by the Estado Novo (New State). One of Sophia de Mello Breyner’s most important works was “O Livro Sexto” (the sixth book). Published in 1962, it portrays the reality of the Salazar regime. The work addresses issues such as repression, censorship, violence and the lack of freedom that existed during this authoritarian period in national history. Through her verses, the poet expresses resistance, hope and the ambition to fight for democracy and human rights. In short, this work is both dictatorial and a call for justice and freedom.
Maria Teresa Horta, born in 1937, is a Portuguese writer and poet known for her active participation in the fight for freedom of expression and women’s rights. During the Salazar dictatorship, her works were subject to censorship due to their provocative and political content, which challenged social norms and the regime’s authoritarianism. Published in 1971, “Minha senhora de Mim” (my lady of me) by Maria Teresa Horta deals with themes such as feminism, female identity and personal liberation. The author uses poetic and provocative language to explore issues related to women’s emancipation and the search for their own voice and autonomy. The book is considered an important work of the feminist movement in Portugal.
Fiama Hasse Pais Brandão (1938-2007) was an important Portuguese poet and writer who faced censorship during the Salazar regime. Her works often contained implicit criticisms of the political system in force, which made them the target of surveillance by the Estado Novo. Her contributions to Portuguese literature were significant, despite the restrictions imposed by the authoritarian regime. “Retrato do Artista Quando Coisa” (Portrait of the artist when thing (used as a verb)) is in fact a work by Fiama Hasse Pais Brandão. This book, published in 1973, is a centrepiece of her poetic production. Although it doesn’t directly address censorship, the work reflects the existential concerns and political issues underlying her writing during the period of the Salazar dictatorship in Portugal.
