Brazilian Women Demand Greater Political Representation and Equality at National Conferences

On October 2, 2025, Brazil hosted the 5th National Conference on Women's Policies in Brasília, where nearly 4,000 participants gathered to address issues ranging from gender-based violence to economic inequalities faced by women. The conference's theme, "More Democracy, More Equality, More Conquests for All," emphasized the importance of intersectionality in advocating for diverse women's rights, including those of Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Key participants included Mayara Alice Zambon, who spoke about the need for intersectional feminism, and Indigenous leader Magna Caibé, who highlighted the normalization of violence against Indigenous women. Minister of Women, Marcia Lopes, emphasized the ongoing fight for women's rights and urged for sustained mobilization within communities.

Additionally, the Comissão de Cultura da Câmara dos Deputados engaged in a debate about the critical role of female quotas in political representation, revealing that women currently occupy only 18% of the positions in the Chamber of Deputies. The first law regarding quotas was enacted 30 years ago, requiring at least 30% of candidates to be women in elections. Despite legislative advances, cultural and structural challenges persist, hindering women’s full political participation. Suggestions from the debate included measures to reserve seats specifically for women and implement penalties for parties that fail to comply with these quotas.

In another initiative, the Encontro Mulheres em Lutas (MEL) is scheduled for October 3-4 in Belo Horizonte, aiming to further organize women’s networks that combat gender inequalities, including discussing climate justice and racial equity. Marlise Matos, a political science professor, emphasized the need for strong networks as the country heads toward the 2026 elections, aiming to empower women and prepare them for active political engagement amid rising extremist threats.

These initiatives and discussions are part of a larger mobilization for women's rights in Brazil, highlighting the diverse challenges women face and the collective effort to create a more equitable political landscape.