FEMALE REPRESENTATION IN THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS OF CARIRI PARAIBANO: A PORTRAIT OF THE PRESENCE OF WOMEN IN LOCAL POLITICS

Abstract

The article analyzes female representation in the municipal councils of the Cariri region in Paraíba, presenting an updated overview of women’s presence in local politics and the challenges for the effective democratization of power spaces. This descriptive research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches based on data from the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) referring to the 2024 municipal elections, complemented by information collected from municipal council websites. The results show that, although there has been progress in increasing female candidacies, the conversion of these candidacies into effective mandates remains limited, especially in municipalities of Eastern Cariri. On the other hand, successful experiences observed in Gurjão, Coxixola, and Ouro Velho demonstrate that women’s political insertion can reach a leading role when associated with more inclusive political and community contexts. The study results from the Women in Power Study Group (GEMUP), which seeks to understand and strengthen women’s participation in local political institutions, contributing to reflections on gender, representation, and citizenship at the municipal level.