Gênero, política e poder: reflexões sobre o perfil das Vereadoras de Manaus

Abstract

Women’s participation in Brazilian politics ruptures the phallocentric stereotype that assigns each social space to a specific sex, especially the male. Although recent studies confirm that this participation is still modest, the feminine presence affirms itself through resistance and persistence, even as the legislative branch, above all, remains predominantly occupied and demarcated by men. Beyond discussing power dynamics within the municipal legislature, this research examines the political profiles of the women councillors who have served, and who currently serve, in the Manaus City Council (CMM). While the CMM dates back to 8 October 1833, Manaus elected its first woman councillor only in 1964. From 1964 to 2024, a total of 31 women have been elected to the council; across the 19 legislative terms held in that period, there have been 56 instances of female participation, including initial elections, re-elections, and service as alternates. The theoretical framework engages gender studies, social space, and women in legislatures (Saffioti, 2015; Torres, 2005; Pateman, 2024; Mills, 1982; Fraser, 1990). The study adopts a prosopographical approach, employing historical sources to trace the trajectories of women in the CMM. Gaps were addressed through documentary evidence and oral contributions from CMM staff and former councillors, enabling the biographical reconstruction of the women researched. Analysis of the data reveals that all the women in parliament possess formal education and academic training. In many cases, they have built their own political capital through social engagement and collective participation, especially via parties, unions, professional associations, NGOs, and churches. Others stood out owing to favourable social or media positions of their time, and interpersonal connections (patronage) between men and women were also evident. The social causes championed by these women tend to recur: philanthropy, education, social rights and housing, women’s rights, children, and vulnerable populations. With respect to party identity, few women demonstrated genuine ideological and partisan loyalty: only councillors from left-wing and centre-left parties exhibited such fidelity, representing 13 % of those elected across the 19 legislative terms, while councillors from centre, centre-right, and right-wing parties accounted for 87 %. The study concludes that the feminine struggle for territory, space, visibility, and power is ongoing. Despite a continual process of constructing egalitarian rights, women must daily consolidate and assert themselves, and above all, unite, in the struggle for a space that is also theirs: the parliament.