What is Brazil doing right that other countries haven't yet figured out? While you might think of Brazilian women only as gorgeous bikini-clad supermodels, a closer look will show you that the women of Brazil are quietly taking hold of the most powerful positions in government and business. With a population six times that of Canada's and one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Brazil is completely powered by mamisma! We take a look at a few examples, including, yes, one mighty supermodel.
1) Maria das Graças Foster, CEO of Petrobras
Let's start with some big market news — and a very phenomenal woman. Petrobras, the largest company in Latin America and eighth largest in the world, did something shocking last month. The $138 billion oil company appointed its first woman as chief executive. How did markets react? Shares soared to an eight-month high. The remarkable Ms. Graças Foster was born in poverty in a favela in Rio de Janeiro, began collecting bottles and cans to sell at the age of eight, and went on to gain a degree in chemical engineering, master's degrees in chemical and nuclear engineering and an MBA, because, well, she could. [More: The Young Millionairess Club]
2) Dilma Rousseff, President of Brazil
And then there's the woman at the top. As President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff is more popular than any of her predecessors and female empowerment is one of her key goals. Her first move as leader was to clean house. She replaced seven ministers - six of whom were involved in corruption scandals. She then appointed 10 women to cabinet and surrounded herself with an inner circle of female advisors. According to one of her staff, "Given a choice between a man and a woman with the same qualifications, she prefers to hire the woman."
3) Gleisi Hoffmann, Chief of Staff to the President
Though she may be referred to by male colleagues as "Dilma's Barbie", the chief of staff to the President doesn't flinch, thanks to her reputation as a ruthless manager. She makes sure that President Rousseff's government programs are pushed forward, such as funding infrastructure for the 2014 World Cup, as well as expanding ports and energy projects. In Brazil, Ms. Hoffmann says, "Women look after women." [More: 5 women who made their millions after age 40]
4) Miriam Belchior, Minister of Planning, Budget and Management
Ms. Belchior began her political career in the city of Santo André, where she was responsible for crafting a modernization program that was chosen as one of the 100 best public practices in the world by the United Nations in the year 2000. Today, a key member of the President's cabinet, she runs a multi-billion dollar investment program to combat poverty in Brazil and is transforming the federal government pension system.
5) Ideli Salvatti, Minister of Institutional Relations
In her role as minster of institutional relations, Ms. Salvatti is President Rousseff's top liaison to the National Congress (the legislative branch similar to Canada's parliament). Her role demands tough and complex negotiating with elected officials and opposing parties. Upon her appointment she warned, "Relations with all political parties will be respectful, always. However I'm not always all love and peace - Idelizinha paz e amor. I will also make sure I am heard."
6) Helena Chagas, Minister of Social Communication
As the Minister of Social Communication, Helena Chagas is responsible for press secretary duties and often acts as spokesperson for the President. Standing at the podium to face a wall of journalists and photographers is not for the weak of heart, but Ms. Chagas is a former journalist herself. She is also working to reform Brazil's regulation and oversight of technology, telecommunications and broadcasting. [More: 10 most valuable start-ups founded by women]
7) Marta Suplicy, Vice President of the Senate
Senator Suplicy has long been on the vanguard of change in Brazil. Trained as a psychologist, she has spent her life fighting for women's rights as well as same-sex equality. The high-profile former mayor of São Paulo (seventh largest city in the world) was elected to the Senate in 2010 with 8.2 million votes, more than any female Senator in Brazil's history (and more than the entire population of Québec!).
8) Gisele Bündchen, supermodel
We just can't keep her off our list... If power is the ability to influence, this woman has got it. For the past eight years, Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen has earned more than anyone else in her profession. Last year alone she earned $45 million. When C&A Fashion Company hired her as a spokesmodel, sales grew by 30%. Pantene did the same and its sales increased by 40%. She launched a line of flip-flops and sold 250 million pairs. Fortunately, Gisele uses her power for good: she donates the flip-flop profits to charity and is the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Program. [More: Breadwinner Barbie: Can Ken handle being a kept man?]
The Brazilian factor
According to the World Economic Forum's 2011 study of Global Gender Gap, Brazilian women have reached or surpassed equality in three key areas: access to health, participation in the labour market and educational attainment. Sixty percent of college graduates in Brazil are female. At least 80% aspire to top-level jobs versus 52% in the U.S., according to the Center for Work-Life Policy. Thanks to leaders like President Rousseff and President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner of Argentina, women in Latin America are more empowered than ever — and their countries are flourishing. Coincidence? We think not.
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