Can government tap women's potential? : an analysis of local employment policy in Brazil

Abstract

This report presents original research conducted in Brazil in June through August of 2004. My research question is to what extent and why have local governments advanced the issue of employment opportunity for women. This report evaluates the ability of government women’s bodies to influence the policy agenda. I analyze the efficacy of women’s office initiatives on work in São Paulo and Belo Horizante. A discussion of women’s political representation, gender quotas, women’s labor market participation, and Brazil’s First National Women’s Public Policy Conference is included.