Brazilian Senate Candidates Tebet, Buzetti Stress Competence Over Gender

Simone Tebet, a pre‑candidate for the Senate from São Paulo, addressed the Women in Professions Summit, urging greater female representation in politics, equal pay and warning that the rise of the far‑right threatens democracy. Marina Silva, also speaking at the event, highlighted the extra barriers faced by women from humble, Black backgrounds and called for more women in leadership roles.

In Mato Grosso, Senate candidate Margareth Buzetti (PP) said voters should choose representatives based on competence, not gender, after being asked whether a potential withdrawal of fellow candidate Janaína Riva (MDB) would shift female voters toward her. She noted that women make up about 51 % of the state’s electorate and that only two women are currently contesting the two Senate seats.

Both politicians emphasized that gender should not be the sole criterion for electoral support, underscoring a broader debate on women’s political participation in Brazil.