A participação das advogadas nos espaços de poder: análise do empoderamento feminino na OAB/RS, OAB/SC e OAB/PR entre 2015-2021

Abstract

This research discusses the participation of women lawyers in the spaces of power of the Brazilian Bar Association, the Sectional of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná, between 2015 and 2021. Focusing on gender epistemology, it seeks to analyze participation processes, political representation and female empowerment, the presence of the “glass ceiling” in public spaces and possible transformations in gender relations through normative implementations that aimed to increase the participation of women in positions of power. Investigating the concept of empowerment as an emancipatory practice linked to collective or individual actions is the core of the research. In a context of changes in norms, combined with a high number of women in the profession, the qualitative methodology, via analysis of documents and interviews, made it possible to evaluate the structures and composition positions of the Board of Sectional Councils. Six former directors were interviewed, two women from each state. Through the analysis of content collected via individual, semi-structured interviews, in person and virtually, the profile, trajectory, difficulties and actions of women inserted in the androcentric space were highlighted. The findings demonstrate the former directors' perception of an unequal structure that affects gender and the full development of female participation in decision-making fields. At the same time, they signal the use of tools and strategies to integrate other women in the environments of the Brazilian Bar Association and in spaces of power in better conditions to suppress inequalities. However, there is a need for further research on maintaining empowerment actions to avoid setbacks and refract patriarchy.