Women in politics face violence and systemic barriers

The assassination of Peruvian candidate Susy Aponte during a campaign event on September 19 has highlighted the extreme risks and obstacles faced by women in politics. Aponte, who was running for the regional government of Áncash, had reportedly reported threats prior to her death.

This incident has sparked discussions regarding the different levels of hostility women encounter in power. In the Brazilian state of Acre, the conversation focuses on political prejudice and sexism as candidates Mailza Assis and Jéssica Sales navigate electoral contests. Assis, the second woman to lead the state, has publicly advocated for increased female participation and respect in political spaces.

In a related cultural discussion at the 20th CineBH festival, actress and producer Leandra Leal emphasized the necessity for women to occupy decision-making roles both in politics and the audiovisual industry. Leal argued that institutional representation is essential for women to move beyond being subjects of stories to becoming the authors and directors of their own narratives.