The feminine parliamentary representation in a decolonial and gender-relational context: the challenges of women’s political rights in Brazilian parliaments in the 21st century

Abstract

The text’s objective of analysis is the question of why, despite various political reforms, there continues to be a low level of female political participation in the municipal, state, and national legislative branches of the Brazilian Congress. Considering the essayistic nature of the study, the aim was to approach the topic from a reflective and open perspective, considering various possibilities to address the presented problem. The main basis for this analysis is the need to reconsider what it means to be female and to exist within a power structure that is dominated by male logic. Considering this, taking into account the problematization of the presented topic, based on Joan Scott’s definition of gender and gender relationships, the intention is to present some considerations regarding the need for transforming the prevalent mentality and governance that constitute the spaces of power. Additionally, it emphasizes the urgent need to transition from symbolic political rights to concrete guarantees of female participation in politics, as without this transition, it is impossible to build a democracy and ensure political rights for everyone in all their dimensions. Ultimately, this aims to guarantee and strengthen the democratic foundations of the contemporary Constitutional State.