Between activism and social work: Sandra Borges' trajectory in defending Human Rights and in community intervention.

Abstract

This interview aims to highlight the trajectory and contributions of Sandra Borges, social worker, activist, and human rights advocate, who was awarded the Medal of Merit of the Municipality of Oeiras in June 2023 for her work in support of the community. Through a semi-structured interview, the study seeks to understand how her professional and community practice is articulated with activism and associative leadership, particularly in her role as president of the Associação Moinho em Movimento. The interview focuses on five central dimensions: (i) her personal trajectory and professional identity, marked by the choice of Social Work as a field of intervention; (ii) institutional recognition and the social impact of her work, symbolized by the municipal distinction; (iii) the mission, methodologies, and challenges of Associação Moinho em Movimento; (iv) her involvement in social causes and active defense of human rights; and (v) future perspectives, understood as both a personal and collective project of social transformation. The interview therefore seeks to present an exemplary case of community leadership, highlighting the role of Social Work and local organizations in promoting social cohesion, justice, and the democratization of intervention practices