Article January 1, 2001 Issue

Cláudia Costin

Government Minister

with contributions from Cláudia Costin—Sao Paulo, Brazil

Women have a great potential. Currently, in Brazil, they are more present in the workplace, the arts, unions, community activities. But there are no women on the boards of major companies or union federations.

Women still have a long way to go, in terms of equal opportunity.

There are three important points. First, women need to learn to believe in their own potential. Surveys in Brazil show that many times women fear they do not have the potential to perform activities that, until recently, were considered exclusively for males. Second, discrimination still exists on the part of those who select people for important positions. Third, women have to deal with the challenges of family life more than men. Unfortunately, many husbands have not been brought up to share tasks with their wives or to share in the care of children and the teaching of values. This is a serious problem.

About the author

Cláudia Costin served as Minister of Federal Administration and State Reform in Brazil. She currently is General Secretary of the Hélio Beltrão Institute, ONG, whose purpose is to promote more efficient public services. Ms. Costin also serves as a consultant, specializing in the modernization of state and municipal government administrations.

Send a comment to the editors