SP Chamber has the largest female bench in its history

The São Paulo City Council inaugurated the largest female bench in history. It now has 20 women, an increase of 53.8% compared to 2020, when 13 councilors were elected – a record at the time.

The female bench in the House will have 36.3% of the seats, the highest proportion among the capitals. And a diverse ideological composition. Of the 20 councilors, 7 are from left-wing parties – PT, PSOL, Rede and PSB – 35% of those elected. The other 13, which make up 65% of the bench, are in center parties, such as MDB and PSD, and right-wing parties, such as PL.

The group has both root supporters, such as Sonaira Fernandes (PL) and Zoe Martinez (PL), sponsored by Jair Bolsonaro (PL), and progressive representatives. Among them, Amanda Paschoal (PSOL), the transvestite with the most votes for the Chamber, elected with the support of federal deputy Erika Hilton (PSOL), and Luna Zarattini (PT).

The profile of the new bench shows that the search for consensus will be challenging. Sonaira Fernandes, former secretary of Women’s Policies in the Tarcísio de Freitas (Republican) administration, declares herself “anti-feminist” and against abortion, even in the cases provided for by law. On the other hand, Luna Zarattini stood out for criticizing the restriction on access to legal abortion in hospitals in the capital. Amanda Paschoal’s banner is the “Respect from School” program, which aims to promote a welcoming culture and respect for diversity. Zoe takes a stand against discussions about gender identity in schools.

Zoe says she expects a respectful relationship on the bench, with clashes only in the political, and not personal, sphere. “I will respect all my colleagues regardless of party or gender, but I will not shy away from defending the ideals for which I was elected.” The focus of his mandate will be basic education, with proposals to create new Unified Educational Centers and implement financial education and entrepreneurship subjects in schools.

Dialogue

Luna emphasizes that she will seek advances in favor of women, especially the poorest, black and quilombola women. “Dialogue and conversations will be necessary.” She recalls her work at the CPI against violence and sexual harassment: “Even with a diverse composition, we, women, reached consensus on the need to improve public facilities, such as police stations that are not open 24 hours. It is possible to find agreements between women from different parties”, adds the PT member, who intends to work to combat hunger through solidarity kitchens.

Amanda Paschoal believes that diversity of ideas is part of democracy. “As long as the women’s bench is working to defend the rights of women and the people and combating inequality, we will be together.” But she warns: “But I will not be on the side of anyone who wants to exclude black, indigenous, trans and peripheral women from public policies.”