Women’s Political Participation Honored as Vote Anniversary Highlights Ongoing Challenges in Brazil
Brazil commemorates 94 years of women's suffrage with a new political award honoring female leaders amid ongoing struggles for representation and protection against political violence.
- • Eight women honored with the inaugural Comenda Ceci Cunha award in the Senate on the 94th anniversary of women's suffrage.
- • Women constitute nearly 53% of voters but hold less than 20% of elected positions in Brazil.
- • The Ministry of Public Electoral enforces laws promoting female political participation and combats political violence against women.
- • New laws and constitutional amendments aim to increase women’s representation and protect them from political violence.
Key details
On February 24, 2026, Brazil marked the 94th anniversary of women's suffrage alongside a significant recognition of female political leaders through the inaugural Comenda Ceci Cunha award ceremony held in the Senate Plenary. Eight women were honored for their outstanding contributions to Brazilian politics at various government levels, chosen by a council of nine senators. Named after Josefa Santos Cunha (Ceci Cunha), a prominent political figure assassinated in 1998, the award celebrates women who have transformed public life and advanced principles of equality and democracy.
Senator Dra. Eudócia emphasized the importance of the date and the award stating, "Celebrating this award on this date reaffirms that democracy is fully realized when women participate, decide, and lead." Senator Damares Alves highlighted the historic nature of the recognition, noting that despite the Senate’s 200-year existence, its first female member appeared less than 50 years ago.
Despite these celebratory moments, significant challenges remain. Women constitute nearly 53% of Brazil’s electorate but hold less than 20% of elected positions, including only 14% of mayoralties, two female state governors, and 17% representation in the Chamber of Deputies. Brazil ranks 139th out of 185 countries in female congressional representation. Legal measures such as quota laws requiring at least 30% female candidates are often circumvented by parties using "dummy" candidates.
The Ministry of Public Electoral enforces laws promoting women’s political participation and combats political violence. Raquel Branquinho, coordinator of the Gender Political Violence Prevention and Combat Working Group, noted women often face obstacles in candidacy and campaigning, reinforcing their underrepresentation. New legislation criminalizing political violence against women and constitutional amendments mandating funding for women’s political programs aim to foster a safer, more equitable political arena.
This dual focus on honoring women’s political achievements while addressing systemic gender disparities underscores the complex path ahead for Brazilian democracy to become more inclusive and representative.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
