Female participation in Amazonian politics contributes to debates on women’s rights

Manaus (AM) — The role assigned to women, historically, has always been focused on caring for the home and domestic activities. Despite significant achievements and activism for women’s rights, the presence of this public in positions of power is still a minority, especially when considering the racial issue. Working in a scenario with little diversity, councilors and deputies from Amazonas face challenges to make the space more representative.

For sociologist Marilene Corrêa, the progress of women in politics from a quantitative perspective is not encouraging, however when observing the qualitative aspects it is important to understand the indispensability of having parliamentarians occupying municipal chambers, legislative assemblies and parliaments.

“The representation of women in politics is still very small, considering that women are the majority of voters, but they are not aware of the existence of a law, since 2021, that prohibits political violence against women, inside and outside parliament” ,

explained.

Law 14,192/21, cited by the sociologist, establishes standards to prevent, repress and combat political violence against women, in spaces and activities related to the exercise of their political rights and public functions. According to Marilene, there are many conditions that limit a woman’s political life and this violence, whether physical or symbolic, is characterized as the biggest reasons for not having greater participation.

Among the 41 councilors that make up the 18th Legislature of the Manaus City Council (CMM), only four of these positions are held by women, namely: Glória Carratte (PL), Jacqueline Coelho (UB), Thaysa Lippy (Progressistas) and Yomara Lins (PRTB).

In the Legislative Assembly of the State of Amazonas (Aleam) the proportion of female and male is also distant. Of the 24 state deputies, five are women: Alessandra Campêlo (Podemos), Joana Darc (UB), Débora Menezes (PL), Mayara Pinheiro (Republicanos) and Mayra Dias (Avante). Despite the number of elected representatives setting a record in Aleam, the female bench is still disproportionate when compared to the number of men in the Legislative House.

The percentages in Amazonas regarding the participation of women in politics correspond to 52% of women voters, 33% of candidates and 16% of women elected in ordinary elections in the period from 2016 to 2022, according to data from the Superior Electoral Court (TSE).

Political positions

Delegate Raquel Gallinati points out that the higher percentage of men in elected political positions places women in an underrepresented position, which is already rooted in society. This disparity has not been resolved with affirmative action programs, such as quotas, nor with recent measures to guarantee funding for female candidates.

“Increasing female participation in the formulation of public policies is crucial. The discrepancy in representation highlights the need for redoubled efforts to guarantee the effective presence of women in politics, where their voices and perspectives are essential for the construction of a more just and egalitarian society”,

highlighted.

The participation of parliamentarians in discussions, debates and in the formulation of public policies is essential to address important issues for women, such as health, education, gender-based violence and equal pay. The sensitive look is a characteristic highlighted by deputy Débora Menezes, who, based on this, the female presence in positions of political leadership results in more inclusive policies that are attentive to the needs of women and children.

“Women have a unique sensitivity, indisputable skills and often, because they have developed multitasking, they have a different perspective on some demands that is barely perceptible to men. I have observed the gain of positive laws and proposals, but I believe that we can still do much more, mainly focused on health, education, and combating violence against women so that we can inspire future generations of women”,

indicated.

State deputy Joana Darc highlighted her political trajectory as a significant achievement for women, as she reached a position that was previously held only by men. The parliamentarian, in 2022, won almost 52 thousand votes, being the parliamentarian with the most votes and occupying second place in the general vote.

“I focus on presenting Laws and projects aimed at safety, women’s health, leisure, as it is often said that a woman’s place is in the kitchen, but it is not! It’s wherever she wants, and it’s our right, leisure to sport, leisure to health when a woman goes to exercise, for example. Having men propose a Law for women is one thing, but having women legislate for other women is something extraordinary. We understand the pain, the need and what needs to be done for us, as women, as mothers and workers”,

he stated.

Tributes

The Assembly held, this Thursday (7), a Special Session in honor of women with a prominent role in different segments of society. The event, in celebration of International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, was promoted by the Women’s Attorney’s Office together with the Commission for Women, Family and Elderly Persons, both chaired by deputy Alessandra Campêlo (Podemos).

Representative Alessandra Campêlo expressed that the social role of women has evolved over the centuries. She stated that, from a supporting element, women are now the protagonists of their history and trajectory, with a voice and representation in society, at work and in politics. However, according to the parliamentarian, women are still constantly fighting for rights.

“Almost daily we talk here, on this platform, about cases of violence against women, about the struggles we have to protect women, so today is a day to celebrate and congratulate these women who fight every day”, said the deputy, stating even though the “fight is never for privileges, but for equality of privileges.”

On the occasion, the president of Aleam, deputy Roberto Cidade (UB), honored deputy Alessandra Campêlo and judge Luiza Cristina Nascimento Marques, from the Court of Justice of Amazonas (Tjam), with the diploma Mulher Cidadã Amazonense, from the year 2024. In total, 28 women were honored, nominated by deputies and the Women’s Commission. The diploma was established by Legislative Resolution No. 831/2021, authored by deputy Wilker Barreto (Citizenship).

“These are women who make a difference in their daily lives, in the work they do in their professional areas. Who stand out in their skills, stand out for being warrior women, who never give up, roll up their sleeves and always fight for better days for everyone. And they represent thousands of women in our State who also fight these battles every day”, she said.

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