In a special column dedicated to International Women’s Day, the author addresses the concerning status of women in Brazilian politics, as reported in the 2025 edition of the Women in Politics Map by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UN Women. Brazil ranks 133rd out of 183 countries concerning the presence of women in parliamentary roles, trailing nations like Mexico and Saudi Arabia. This statistic reflects a significant gender disparity in political representation, drawing a stark picture of the challenges faced by women in this area.

The article elaborates on the outcome of the 2022 elections, where only 91 women were elected to the Chamber of Deputies, which accounts for a mere 17.8% of the total seats, and only two women were elected as governors. It highlights a crucial observation that women in left-leaning parties enjoy better representation compared to those in right-wing parties, with 27% of seats held by women in left and center-left parties versus only 14% in right and center-right parties. These facts underline the ideological divide in political platforms and the ongoing struggle for equality in representation.

This discussion about women's representation is both a reflection of ongoing societal attitudes towards gender and an urgent call to action for all stakeholders involved in policy-making. The article suggests that significant efforts are needed to address these invisible barriers and to promote a political environment where women can equally compete and participate in governance. It emphasizes the importance of continued advocacy and policy reforms to improve women's standings in political bodies.