Brasília - The number of women active in Brazil's political arena is still small. Only 44 of the 513 Federal Deputies are women. In the Senate they represent slightly more than 10%: 9 out of 81. Despite the existence of quotas which oblige parties to reserve at least 30% of their candidacies for women in the case of proportional elections, this quota is not met.
According to Almira Rodrigues, a sociologist with the non-governmental organization, Feminist Studies and Advisory Center (Cfemea), the parties argue that the places are available but that women don't claim them. For the Cfemea, which calls for egalitarian legislation for men and women, what exists is a highly unfair competition in which women don't have party support and count on fewer financial resources and less influence and time.
The country's political history is marked predominately by male participation. Few women successfully broke with the repressive and discriminatory social and cultural context that for centuries blocked female participation outside the home. Women gained the right to vote in 1932, and the challenge now, over 70 years after acquiring political citizenship, revolves around female representation in the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate, state assemblies, and the Presidency.
The number of women who disputed yesterday's (3) elections was up, but it is still regarded as very small. In 2000 they constituted 19% of the candidates for municipal council seats. In yesterday's election, they represented 22%, a 3% increase. In the mayoralty races, their percentage grew from 7.5% to 9.5%. According to Rodrigues, "it is a small increase, but we have to commemorate."
The sociologist underscores the presence of the Secretariat for Women's Policies in the Brazilian government. In her view, "just as important as having more women on the political scene is having a forum to defend projects and ideas that can work in tandem with the struggle of women's movements."
Agência Brasil
Reporter: Graziela Sant'Anna
Translator: David Silberstein
10/04/2004
