On February 24, Brazil marks the 93rd anniversary of women's suffrage, a pivotal moment recognized as part of the country’s democratic evolution. While this anniversary celebrates the historic right gained by Brazilian women, it also serves as a reminder of the enduring struggles for equitable representation within the nation's political sphere.
The formal recognition of women’s voting rights began when they were allowed to choose their representatives on February 24, 1932, officially enshrined by the 1934 Constitution. Initially, this right was optional, becoming mandatory by 1965, and placed women’s rights on equal footing with those of men. Yet, nearly a century later, the political representation of women continues to lag behind expectations. "The right to vote opened doors, but guaranteeing the effective presence of women in power remains a challenge," emphasized Maitê Marrez, specialist at Vernalha e Pereira law firm.
Despite legal frameworks aimed at increasing women’s representation, such as mandated gender quotas for candidates, the number of female candidates for political positions showed alarming trends heading toward the 2024 elections. According to electoral law experts Marrez and her colleague Nahomi Helena, there was a significant drop of 27,000 candidacies for city council seats, casting doubts on the success of policies meant to empower women politically.
The environment for female politicians remains challenging. Current statistics reveal moderate growth – women now hold 7% of mayoral offices, 15% of vice-mayoral positions, and 12% of city council seats. "Although we observe progress, it's achieved at a painfully slow pace and is often overshadowed by larger systemic issues," noted Nahomi Helena. A nod to the diversity present within this growth indicates advancement as 11% more women identifying as Black and 31% more Indigenous individuals have been elected, reflecting some progress since previous years.
Women’s participation is not merely about legislative numbers; it impacts policy discussions on issues such as domestic violence, maternity leave, and equal pay. Since the rise of female representatives, laws aimed at improving women’s rights have proportionally increased, with findings highlighted by the National Observatory of Women in Politics (ONMP) pointing to the political benefits of enhanced representation.
Significantly, Carmela Zigoni, political advisor at the Socioeconomic Studies Institute (INESC), underscored the rights earned through suffrage as foundational for democracy. “The voting rights for women are not only important for the era of Brazil's democracy but hold ground for any democracy, underpinning the need for equitable public participation,” she elaborated. Looking back on the history of the movement for women's voting rights, Zigoni acknowledged the long fight, noting its initial focus within elite circles until universal suffrage was attained only as recently as 1988.
The realities painted by Zigoni and other experts reflect the societal inequalities still embedded within Brazil’s electoral framework, leading to practices such as vote buying and coercion, particularly within marginalized populations. Amid these inequities, Zigoni advocates for the necessity of not only the vote itself but broader platforms for women to be involved, such as consuls and public forums.
Highlighting the importance of public perception, she stated, “We also must nurture campaigns expressing desires for female representation, such as ‘I want to see myself represented'. It’s more than just numbers; it’s about shaping the future political fabric.”
With the somber recognition of what women's suffrage symbolizes, the anniversary serves as both tribute and call to action. The ramifications of achieving the right to vote extend beyond its initial declaration; they ignite conversations about broader gender equity goals. “More than a historic achievement, women’s voting is a symbol of the continuous struggle for representation and democracy,” added Marrez, echoing the sentiments of many advocates pushing for structural changes in the political arena.
Yet, as Brazil remembers this significant milestone, it also faces reality: the fight for equity, representation, and inclusion remains far from over. On the 93rd anniversary of women’s suffrage, the commitment to fostering political engagement and ensuring women's voices resound strongly throughout the fabric of Brazil's governance is heralding the path forward.