New Insights on Women's Political Participation and Entrepreneurship in Brazil

Two recent studies shed light on the challenges and dynamics of women's political participation and entrepreneurship in Brazil. Leila Mascarenhas, a researcher and judicial analyst, will launch her book 'Mulheres na democracia: representação política no Brasil em perspectiva comparada' on September 23. The work, based on her master's thesis, analyzes women's political participation across Latin America, with a comparative focus on Brazil and Argentina. Mascarenhas highlights Brazil's low female representation in Congress compared to Argentina, which has implemented more effective inclusion policies. She also discusses the additional barriers women face due to intersectionality, including race and minority identities.

Meanwhile, a study by Instituto Rede Mulher Empreendedora emphasizes that nearly 10 million active businesses in Brazil are led by women of varied backgrounds. Despite their significant economic role, 47.6% of these entrepreneurs feel politically unrepresented, with many juggling business and caregiving duties. The research reveals that 76.8% prioritize policies on education and health, yet 92.3% believe women face more challenges than men in entrepreneurship. Over half of these women started their ventures out of necessity, and many earn less than R$ 3,242 per month.

Both works underscore the need for policies that address the multifaceted realities of women—whether in politics or business—and highlight the urgency to amplify their voices. As millions of women entrepreneurs will vote in the 2026 elections, recognizing their issues is vital for more inclusive political representation and economic empowerment in Brazil.