The elected government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva disappointed a significant portion of Itamaraty by not choosing a woman to command Itamaraty. But Mauro Vieira’s election will be accompanied by the promotion of ambassadors to key positions and positions within national diplomacy.
The hope of some of Itamaraty was that, after a government accused of being misogynistic, the appointment of the first woman as prime minister was a clear message to the world that the new government wanted a break from the image of Jair Bolsonaro. .
Despite this, there is a decision to appoint career diplomat and ambassador Maria Laura da Rocha as general secretary of Itamaraty. The position corresponding to the deputy minister also indicates that the management of the chancellery will be with a woman.
In an episode of Itamaraty, the ambassador evokes sympathy for the symbolism of representing the majority of the Brazilian population – women and people of African descent. His long career is concentrated in Europe, having served three times in Paris and three times in Rome, in addition to Germany, Russia, Hungary and Romania.
However, the presence of women was not limited to the position of Maria Laura da Rocha. Sources in the transition team told UOL that the goal is to have women head some of the main secretariats within Itamaraty and head of posts abroad in places related to Brazil.
A survey conducted by the ADB (Brazilian Diplomats Association) shows that Itamaraty prioritizes men in promotions to key career positions. The organization said women represented 23% of diplomats in Itamaraty. However, none of them are ambassadors in strategic locations such as London, Washington or Buenos Aires. A more significant number of women in command posts can only be found in places such as embassies in Africa or Central America.
Already in the first months of the new government there is pressure to change this reality. The ADB also notes that while Vieira was chancellor in Dilma Rousseff’s government, she recorded a below-average female promotion rate for other ministers, including those under Michel Temer’s government.
In a note released this Friday, ADB representatives said, “As representatives of this State career, we reaffirm our commitment, integrity and respect to serve the Brazilian people in defense of their interests and national sovereignty.”
“We will contribute to a prosperous and peaceful upcoming season, as expressed in the values of Brazilian diplomacy, historically known for its commitment to the country and its excellence in handling issues related to international relations, a fairer, solidarity and democracy,” he said.
“ADB welcomes the head of Brazilian diplomacy, where he will seek to maintain a fluid and open dialogue in the next government, while also contributing ideas in favor of institutional empowerment, diversity and modernization of Itamaraty’s capacities to deal with a world.” ADB is getting more and more challenging and complex through its head, ambassador Maria Celina de Azevedo Rodrigues,” writes the ADB.
source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.