This International Women’s Day, we revisit the story of Arminda de Jesus, a 32-year-old mother accused of witchcraft in 1933 Portugal. Through our interview with Dr. Inês Tadeu from the University of Madeira, we present the historical facts of this little-known case from the village of Soalhães. Dr. Tadeu’s research through trial records and newspaper accounts provides context for understanding how witchcraft accusations persisted into the 20th century. Arminda’s case, occurring just 22 years after the first International Women’s Day, illustrates the ongoing threat faced by women accused of witchcraft globally.
Content warning: Contains descriptions of violence.
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Links
Witch Hunt Episode: Witchcraft Accusations and Gender Inequality with Dr. Samantha Spence
Witch Hunt Episode: Women and Witch Trials with Ann Little
Maryland House Joint Resolution 2
MD Witch Exoneration Project Website
Sign the Massachusetts Petition
Connecticut Exoneration Written Testimony