Shared Narratives: Bridging Political Divides for Women's Rights in Brazil

Political polarization and radicalization in Brazil have profoundly impacted debates on gender and women's rights, especially in electoral contexts. However, little is known about the degree of convergence in the perceptions of women of different ideological profiles on topics on this agenda, such as abortion, reproductive rights, gender-based violence and equity policies at work and maternity. In addition to its explanatory potential, this issue is important to encourage dialogue between progressive and conservative voters, thus reducing the negative effects of polarization and radicalization. The database used in this study is an unprecedented nationally representative survey, using demographic quotas, formulated by the UPDATE Institute and applied by IDEA, which interviewed in 2024 a sample of 670 women who voted for Lula or Bolsonaro in the 2022 elections from of assisted telephone interviews (CATI). In our analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics will be applied, with the dependent variables being the perceptions and opinions on topics on the gender agenda, and the independent variables being, in addition to voting, the socioeconomic, religious and ideological profiles of the voters. The main objective of this research is to explore points of convergence and divergence in female voters' opinions on gender issues, as well as to identify potential areas for constructive dialogue between progressive feminism and conservative women. The hypothesis is that, although polarization is evident in certain aspects of the gender agenda, there are certain potential areas of convergence. Thus, there would be opportunities to build bridges of dialogue through an accessible and inclusive language between women of different ideological profiles. This study contributes to debates on voting behavior and public opinion in relation to the dynamics that shape Brazilian female voters' perceptions of gender. It proposes that an ongoing dialogue between progressive feminism and conservative women may be possible based on a rights-based agenda and points of convergence, notably practical issues that affect women's daily lives, such as security, work, health and maternity support. In doing so, in addition to the analytical and explanatory gains on the public opinion of Lula and Bolsonaro voters on gender issues, our study reinforces the need for political strategies that unite, rather than divide, seeking to promote gender equity as a a common goal.