Occupying the streets and spaces of power: the participation of women in politics. The case of Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to investigate whether and to which extent Brazil has been complying with its international obligations on the women’s right to political participation. I will elaborate on the relationships between women and politics, proving that gender equality is a condition of democracy. I will then identify what States are expected to do under international human rights law to comply with its obligations on the political rights of women. Finally, I will assess the efficacy of the legal and extralegal measures implemented by Brazil to fulfill women’s right to political participation equal to men. Key words: representation, gender, politics, quotas, women