Despite being the majority in the electorate (53%), women are in charge of only 5 of the 31 Brazilian political parties.
From different ideological currents, Gleisi Hoffmann (PT), Luciana Santos (PC do B), Renata Abreu (Podemos), Heloísa Helena (Sustainability Network) and Suêd Haidar (PMB) speak of the need to prevail in a predominantly male universe.
Although they lead these groups, they admit difficulties in expanding the participation of other women in politics and even in the party structure.
“Politics reflects our patriarchal society, it is a space dominated by white males and consequently predominantly sexist, in terms of language, practices, even schedules,” reports Gleisi, 57.
For Heloísa, 60, there is a “macho refrain impregnated even in some women about male supremacy in decision-making and power.”
Suêd, 64, founder of the Brazilian Women’s Party, says that female participation in politics is not just a matter of social justice and gender equality, but of democratic effectiveness.
“When women have a voice and power in politics, decisions are more representative and take into account the diversity and needs of the population as a whole.”
Translated by AZAHARA MARTIN ORTEGA
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