Women Mayors from South America
> Brazil's local elections: More women and members from minority groups elected. Mayors are getting younger
In October 2024, Brazil elected more women and members of minority communities into city halls
Brazil elected more women mayors, but parity with men is still a long-term goal
January 2025: In last year’s municipal elections, Brazil elected more female, black and indigenous mayors than ever. While it will probably require several more elections for women to reach parity with men in the country’s municipal parliaments, the October 2024 local ballots saw an increase in women elected mayor, deputy mayor and town councillor. As of 1 January 2025, there are now some seven per cent more women mayors than during the past four years. Still, the 728 elected women mayors only represent some 13 per cent of all of the country’s mayors.
Women running for deputy mayor were even more successful. Brazil now has 1,066 female deputy mayors, an increase of 15 per cent. The number of elected female councillors grew by 12 per cent, reaching a total of 10,537.
The number of newly elected black and indigenous mayors has also increased, the former by 14 per cent and the latter by 12 per cent. Black candidates running for deputy mayor were even more successful. There are now 38 per cent more black deputy mayors than before the election.
Brazil’s mayors, their deputies and municipal councillors are also getting younger. The number of mayors aged 29 or younger more than tripled, rising from 36 in 2020 to 119 after the 2024 election. In contrast, significant declines were recorded among older age groups: 851 mayors were elected between the ages of 60 and 69, a 29 per cent decrease, while those over 70 dropped to 249, a 38 per cent decline.
In terms of education, almost 60 per cent of mayors elected in 2024 have completed higher education, as have 47 per cent of deputy mayors.
Further reading: Only two Brazilian state capitals elected women mayors |
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On other news pages: Women Mayors in Brazil | North American women mayors | South American women mayors | European women mayors | Mayors from the Middle East | Asian women mayors | Australasia women mayors | African women Mayors |
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