The 2024 elections in Brazil were marked by a worrying scenario in relation to diversity and inclusion, which exposes the weaknesses of our democracy, which to be truly representative must also be representative, including all layers that form the Brazilian people by race, gender and color.
Although there is a growing discussion about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, in the corporate environment and even on corporate boards, what we observe in the political sphere is the persistence of historical and structural inequalities. In a country as plural as Brazil, the lack of diversity in elected positions is an issue that deserves reflection and also action.
One of the most alarming aspects of the elections was the absence of black mayors in Brazilian capitals. This scenario is not just a reflection of a political choice, but an indication of a society that still struggles to overcome the remnants of historical and structural racism. The lack of black leaders in prominent positions reinforces the idea that politics is still a predominantly white space, where the voices and experiences of a significant part of the population are silenced and not taken into account.
Black representation in spheres of power is essential not only to ensure that the demands and needs of this population are heard, but also to inspire future generations to engage in politics. The absence of black figures in leadership positions perpetuates stigmas and limits the construction of a more egalitarian society. In addition to the racial issue, the 2024 elections highlighted the underrepresentation of women in elected positions, something highlighted on Sunday by Minister Cármen Lúcia, president of the Superior Electoral Court.
In a context in which women represent more than half of the population, their presence in positions of power is still insufficient. Even in the largest cities, where the expectation was for a greater diversity of candidates, what was seen was a continuation of male dominance. Last Sunday, Brazil elected 724 mayors, an increase of ten percent more than in the last elections, but they still represent only 13% of those who will command city halls from 2025. The lack of women in politics is not just an issue of equity, but also the affirmation of a truly democratic and effective regime.
Research shows that the inclusion of women in politics results in decisions that are more representative and sensitive to issues of gender, health and education. Therefore, female underrepresentation not only marginalizes female voices but also impoverishes political debate and public policies.
Another worrying point in the 2024 elections was the advance of conservative councilors and mayors, who often oppose diversity and human rights. This phenomenon can be interpreted as a setback in social achievements and a threat to inclusion.
The rise of conservative agendas can lead to policies that ignore the importance of diversity and inclusion, further aggravating existing inequalities. Faced with this challenging scenario, deep reflection and many actions are essential that involve not only the creation of policies that encourage the participation of underrepresented groups but also promote awareness of the importance of diversity as a fundamental value for democracy.
Promoting diversity in spaces of power goes beyond a matter of social justice; It is an investment in the future of the country. The plurality of voices and experiences enriches the debate and results in fairer and more effective policies for everyone. It is time to break down the barriers that limit the participation of historically marginalized groups and to build a political scenario that reflects the true essence of Brazil: a diverse, vibrant and plural country.
