Face to Face workshop at UEMA, Sao Luis, 1st July 2024

Equal-Brazil: Empowering Women to Lead the Green Economy

On July 1st, 2024, the State University of Maranhão (UEMA) hosted an inspiring international workshop for the Equal-Brazil project, bringing together academics, policymakers, and early career researchers from Brazil and the UK. Funded by the British Council, this event marked a pivotal step in addressing gender inequality in Brazil’s labor market, with a particular focus on empowering women to take on leadership roles in the green economy.

Workshop Overview: Fostering Gender Equality in Brazil

The workshop opened with welcoming remarks from key project leaders, including Prof. Angela Lee, the UK Principal Investigator, and Dr. José Fernando Rodrigues Bezerra, the Brazilian Principal Investigator. The Equal-Brazil project aims to bridge the gap between women’s educational achievements and their representation in Brazil’s formal labor market, particularly in leadership roles in green industries. Presentations highlighted the unfortunate reality: although women in Brazil are more likely to have completed tertiary education, they still face significant barriers to employment. According to a report by the OECD, these barriers are rooted in deep-seated political, economic, social, and cultural structures that limit women’s opportunities to reach their full potential. Prof. Angela Lee emphasized that the Brazilian government’s focus on expanding access to education has not been matched by measures to support women’s employment.

Women and the Green Economy: A Crucial Intersection

One of the key themes of the Equal-Brazil project is how women’s leadership can positively impact environmental sustainability. Drawing on ecofeminist literature and research into the “women and environment” movement, the project acknowledges that women often act as stewards of the environment. This holds true in various sectors, including water management, energy, transportation, housing, and digital businesses. As women take on leadership roles in these industries, they bring unique perspectives and are more likely to prioritize sustainability. By embedding environmental issues into their organizational plans, women leaders help create greener and more sustainable industries. However, for this transformation to happen, laws and policies must be implemented that support women in transitioning to leadership roles within the green economy.

Dr. Muhammad Qasim Rana, UK Co-Principal Investigator, emphasized the importance of this shift: “By increasing women’s leadership in Brazil’s green economy, we can accelerate sustainable development. Women are natural problem solvers when it comes to environmental issues, and we must empower them to take the reins in shaping a more sustainable future.”

Breaking the Employment Barrier for Women Graduates

The workshop also addressed the complex journey women face from education to employment. While Brazil has made significant strides in providing educational opportunities for women, the transition from university to the labor market remains a challenge. The belief that a degree guarantees career success does not hold true for women in Brazil. Prof. José Fernando Rodrigues Bezerra spoke about the barriers women graduates face as they enter the job market: “We need to address the structural issues that keep women out of leadership roles. Gender prejudice in employment, lack of institutional support, and social expectations all contribute to the underrepresentation of women in the formal workforce.” Equal-Brazil is working to identify these barriers and propose practical solutions. The project team, which includes researchers such as Mr. Luciano Andrade and Dr. Ligia Tchaicka, is focused on developing action plans to mitigate these obstacles. By understanding the political, social, and economic forces at play, they aim to challenge the structures that keep women from progressing in their careers.

Looking Ahead: The Equal-Brazil Vision

The Equal-Brazil project offers a beacon of hope for Brazil’s future. By empowering women to step into leadership roles within green industries, the project is not only addressing gender inequality but also driving environmental sustainability. As more women enter leadership positions in key sectors, their influence on sustainability will grow, and their ability to shape a greener, more equitable economy will become evident. The workshop also emphasized that policy change is critical. Without supportive laws that facilitate women’s progression into leadership, the road to gender equality will remain an uphill battle. Equal-Brazil provides a clear call to action: invest in women’s education and empower them to lead the green revolution. By doing so, Brazil can achieve both gender equality and sustainable development, creating a brighter future for all.