Lula and Bolsonaro’s Femicide Gambit: A Desperate Attempt to Woo Women Voters?

Brazil’s two main presidential candidates, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Jair Bolsonaro, have launched their campaigns by appealing directly to women voters with promises to combat rising femicide and gender violence. The move is a telling sign of just how desperately these politicians are grasping for support in the upcoming October election.

The numbers are stark: more than 400 femicides were registered in Brazil in the first quarter of this year alone, the highest number since tracking began 11 years ago. Women account for nearly 53% of Brazil’s eligible voters, making them a crucial demographic for either candidate to win over. Lula and Bolsonaro have both made public statements vowing to tackle the crisis, but their track records on this issue are woefully inadequate.

Lula has long been associated with the Workers’ Party, which has struggled to make meaningful progress in addressing femicide and gender violence. His own record as president was marked by half-hearted attempts at reform, including his infamous remark that “men who hit women don’t need to vote for me.” And yet, Lula continues to rely on his legacy and nostalgia to win over voters.

Bolsonaro’s approach is equally cynical. By promising to work with foreign powers to secure trade deals, he is attempting to position himself as a strong leader who can deliver results for Brazil. However, this ignores the fact that his father’s government was marked by corruption and incompetence, and that Bolsonaro has done little to distance himself from these scandals.

The crisis of femicide in Brazil demands more than empty rhetoric or photo opportunities with First Ladies. What it needs is a fundamental shift in societal attitudes and a commitment to meaningful policy change – something neither Lula nor Bolsonaro has demonstrated a willingness to deliver.

As the election approaches, Brazilians would do well to remember that promises made by politicians are often nothing more than words on paper. What really matters is what they plan to do when they get into office. Will they follow through on their commitments, or will they continue to pander to special interests and ignore the pressing issues of the day?

One thing is certain: neither Lula nor Bolsonaro has a track record that inspires confidence. If either candidate wins in October, it will be a bleak future for Brazilian women – and one that demands immediate action from all parties involved.

The Politics of Femicide

The crisis of femicide in Brazil is not just a social issue; it’s also a deeply entrenched cultural problem. For too long, men have been allowed to perpetuate violence against women with impunity, while the state has failed to provide adequate support or protection for victims. This toxic mix of machismo and neglect has led to a steady stream of femicides, each one a stark reminder of just how broken Brazil’s justice system is.

Lula’s recent comments about men learning to be equal from childhood are welcome, but they ring hollow coming from a politician who has spent decades in power without making significant changes. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s promise to work with foreign powers on trade deals raises serious questions about his commitment to Brazilian sovereignty – and the welfare of its citizens.

The Femicide Laws That Failed

Brazilian laws aimed at combating femicide have been woefully inadequate. Until 2024, femicides were still classified as aggravated forms of homicide, rather than a separate crime punishable by up to 40 years in prison. This lack of clarity and commitment has emboldened perpetrators, who know they can get away with heinous crimes.

The current government’s efforts have been equally half-hearted. Lula promised to launch a platform within 10 days outlining his gender-responsive policies – but so far, nothing has materialized. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro has relied on photo opportunities and empty promises to woo women voters, without offering any concrete solutions to the crisis.

As the election approaches, Brazilians would do well to remember that their votes have consequences. Women’s rights are not just a moral imperative; they’re also an economic necessity. A country that fails to protect its citizens – particularly those who bear the brunt of violence and inequality – is a country that will never truly thrive.

Lula and Bolsonaro may try to woo women voters with promises, but it’s up to Brazilians to hold them accountable for their actions. Only by demanding meaningful policy change and holding politicians to task can we hope to build a safer, more just society for all.