The Feminist Resistance to the Radical Right in Brazil

A Forum with Brazilian Feminist Political Leaders

January 28, 2019

Image promoting The Feminist Resistance to the Radical Right in Brazil, January 2019.

Event Description

On the eve of their inauguration into office, four female Brazilian politicians present an emboldened new generation of feminist officials, leading the defense and redefinition of democracy in their country. Ten months following the assassination of Rio de Janeiro City Councilor Marielle Franco, their collective work demonstrates that Marielle is still present. This discussion will focus on the intersection of feminism and formal politics and will consider innovative modes of resistance to the radical right turn in government, exploring ways to take action in solidarity.  

Speakers

Talíria Petrone, a history teacher who sees education as the basis for resistance, was one of the few Black women ever elected to Brazil's Federal Congress.

Sâmia Bomfim, a leader of one of the largest student movements in Brazil, was elected to Brazil's Federal Congress at the age of 27.

Jô Cavalcanti, a mother, Black woman, feminist, and national leader of the "Workers Without Homes Movement” (MTST), was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the state of Pernambuco.

Fernanda Melchionna, an internationalist, socialist, and feminist militant who is dedicated to fighting for women’s rights and against wealth privilege, was recently elected to Brazil’s Federal Congress.

Cosponsors

Co-sponsored by the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS); Departments of Anthropology, Gender & Women's Studies, Graduate School of Education, African American & African Diaspora Studies, Comparative Literature, Spanish & Portuguese; Tianna Paschel (research funds); Institute of International Studies (IIS); David and Natasha Dolby Fund; Global Metropolitan Studies; Institute for the Study of Societal Issues (ISSI); Center for Race & Gender (CRG); Center for Right-Wing Studies; Townsend Center for the Humanities & Social Science Matrix.