Between Women’s Actions and Party Strategies: The Rise of Black and Indigenous Women in Brazilian Politics

Black and Indigenous women in Brazil have historically been excluded from formal politics, consistently holding among the lowest percentages of elected officials. However, in the 2022 elections, the number of federal deputies from these groups more than doubled compared to the previous election (from 13 to 29). This shift raises questions about the factors driving such progress in a context marked by racial, ethnic, and gender inequalities, limited access to electoral funding, and party resistance. In recent years, Black and Indigenous movements have strengthened their political engagement, organizing more effectively to secure representation. These movements led national campaigns in 2022 aimed at electing candidates who were aligned with their agendas, mobilizing support networks, and increasing visibility. Members of these movements claim their campaigns had great impact in the rise of elected women from these communities, offering political training, campaign support, and candidate coordination, while also influencing party decisions on candidate selection and resource allocation. This study explores how these movements contributed to the increased representation of Black and Indigenous women in Parliament, focusing on both independent actions and direct influence within political parties. A key area of this investigation is the role of new electoral rules on public financing, which require parties to allocate funds proportionally to women and Black candidates. These rules may have benefitted Black women, as they effectively met both criteria, making them attractive candidates for party support, especially if backed by social movements. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative interviews with candidates, elected representatives, party collectives, and activists, with quantitative analysis of electoral performance and campaign financing data. This approach aims to understand how these candidacies became viable despite limited resources and institutional resistance. The article highlights the emergence of a new political paradigm, driven by collective resistance and struggles. It challenges traditional political structures by proposing more participatory and inclusive models. The study contributes to the broader debate on race, gender, and politics in Brazil, emphasizing the role of social movements in shaping strategies within both civil society and political parties.