90 years ago, Brazil saw a historic change for women: the ability to vote.

Despite the fact that women were part of society, their rights to the status of citizens were granted only in 1932. This year, for the first time, Brazilian women were able to elect their representatives and run for public office.

However, even after nine decades, the level of representation of women in politics is still low, and Santa Catarina follows the national rhythm.

The ND Group’s NDI (Data and Investigative Nucleus) survey examined the records of the last seven legislatures, excluding the current one, and identified the names of 40 senators and their Senate deputies.

The analysis began in the 49th Legislative Assembly in 1991 until the 55th Legislative Assembly which ended in 2019.

Of this total, only four women held positions in the Senate, three of whom were deputies, and only one was elected senator, Idely Salvatti. This corresponds to 10% representation of women.

157 federal deputies from Santa Catarina have been elected to the Federal Chamber in the three decades since the redemocratization of the legislature.

Of the total number, only 12 are women, which corresponds to 7.6% of the total number of those elected.

The number is even lower when it comes to governor and vice president. The analysis showed that from 1987 to the present, seven governors have been elected, excluding re-elections, and eight vice-governors.

Of these, only one woman was elected, the current Deputy Governor, Daniela Reiner (LP).

“The electoral political system, as it is organized, has a historical origin. Since ancient Greece, the idea of ​​democracy has excluded women. In the Western world, we will only have a voice in the 20th century, very recently,” says anthropologist Miriam Pillar, professor of anthropology at UFSC (Federal University of Santa Catarina).

No more than 10% of women elected to the SC – Photo: Roberto Jaime/Ascom/TSE – Photo: Roberto Jaime/Ascom/TSE

The minimum quota of 30% is a way to encourage female candidates

The Electoral Law (Law No. 9504/1997) stipulates that each party must nominate at least 30 per cent of candidates nominated by women.

The obligation was established to ensure equal participation.

“This percentage is mandatory. If this legal definition is not observed, the registration of the candidate will not be approved. The percentage must also be met to pay for the costs and sponsorship of these campaigns,” explains Sandra Granemann, lawyer and member of the OAB/SC Electoral Law Commission.

Even elected women depend on the passing of the law

If the path to the space of power is thorny, then earning respect in the elections, unfortunately, also requires a lot of struggle.

“They have to face political violence, which is very serious,” Miriam comments.

Law No. 14,192 was passed in August 2021 to combat political violence against women.

Sandra explains that since she was approved within a short period of time, there are still no conclusions about the number of convictions. But the lawyer believes that with the development of the system and technology, there will soon be sentences.

“When it comes to violence against women, the article is very broad. This opens up a range of behaviors that can be seen as violence. He says that he considers every action, behavior or inaction with the aim of preventing, hindering or restricting rights. Or, nevertheless, the distinction, exclusion or limitation of the recognition of the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms.

Social and Political Issues Contribute to Underrepresentation

There are good examples in Latin America of the democratic advancement of women in politics.

In Argentina, women’s representation has increased thanks to such names as Susana Malcorra, Patricia Bullrich, Maria Eugenia Vidal, Gabriela Michetti. And now Cristina Kirchner, Vice President of Argentina.

In Colombia, the first black woman was elected vice president Francia Marquez.

In Brazil, the scenario is different. Since the formation of the republic in 1889, under President Deodoro da Fonseca, power has largely passed into the hands of men.

In over a century, the country appointed a single president, Dilma Rousseff (PT), in 2011. For the entire period, not a single woman was elected vice president.

In the States, a survey from 1994 to 2021 shows that 16 governors took office, 8 of whom were incumbents, and another 8 succeeded after the departure of the incumbent.

The numbers of excluded countries are not random.

“There is a collective, individual and social memory that still reflects the idea that women have no ability,” explains Micheline Ramos, doctor of social anthropology at UFSC.

Aside from social issues, the current political formation also disadvantages women’s participation, as political scientist and Univali professor Eduardo Guerini explained.

“Political parties are still very closed, they are impervious to social movements. But they must also be shaped by transformations. Given the Latin American scenario, Brazil is taking a step back on issues related to women’s participation and diversity.”

Education to fight prejudice

According to data released by the Chamber of Deputies, in Brazil, only 15% of women in the Chamber, and 12% in the Senate.

At the municipal level, 900 municipalities did not even elect a councilor in the 2020 elections. The road to change, according to Michelin, is debate.

“In order to change this, we need to discuss this issue in an educational way. Of course, primarily in schools, but also in public places with cognitive education.”

Education is a way of dealing with the prejudices that underlie the problem, the scientist explains.

“In this sense, Brazil is an outdated country. We need to break down prejudice, it’s important for us to continue.”

Awareness is one way to change this reality. Another path pointed out by the anthropologist is to invest in positive action.

“We lack investment in public policy, affirmative action and educational action so that women truly have representation in legitimate power. The state plays a fundamental role in the process of obtaining justice,” emphasizes Micheline.

Trust in women’s leadership

A study published by the Inter-Parliamentary Union analyzed the political composition of 192 countries.

Brazil is ranked 142nd in terms of women’s representation in the region. For this reason, Micheline explains that the search for women’s space must move forward in order to have more participation in all aspects.

“Women need to understand that they can. That they have the ability. For this, it is a continuous work of all and all of us. This is a change that is carried out by the whole society,” he says.