Female local leaders debate gender parity in Madeira

The 1st Meeting of Female Parish Councilors of Madeira, organized by ANAFRE, is currently taking place in Porto Moniz. The event features the debate ‘Women in Local Power: Legacy, Present and Future’ and includes tributes to former female parish council presidents.

During the discussions, local leaders addressed the complexities of gender parity and political participation. Raquel Azevedo Freitas, president of the São Pedro Fins Parish Council, argued that gender equality should not be reduced to merely filling quotas, emphasizing that competence and the will to serve must remain paramount. She noted that only 15.6% of mayors in Portugal are women and highlighted the double standards women face regarding work-life balance.

Mirla Fernandes, a councilor for Ponta do Sol, suggested that women should not require specific parity laws to have their voices heard. She emphasized that community service does not strictly require a political office and advocated for greater recognition of those serving in parish councils, while also noting that motherhood should not be viewed as an obstacle to political life.