"I'm Confident in Regards to what a Woman Does for the Home", Declares President Temer on International Women's Day

03/09/2017 - 10h55

During an event marking International Women's Day on Wednesday (8), President Michel Temer declared that he is "has a conviction of how much a woman does for the home" and of the importance of a female figure in the upbringing of children that, according to him, is "certainly" the responsibility of the mother.

In a speech, he even said women play a major role in the Brazilian economy for "their skills in housekeeping and comparing supermarket prices" and "identifying economic fluctuations in the household budget".

Temer highlighted recent economic data, including the decrease in inflation and interest rates, while saying that "in addition to taking care of domestic affairs" women have more and more chances for entering into the labor market.

On the same day that women all over the world are celebrating with manifestations by calling attention to the necessity of fighting for equal rights, the President said that "men and women are equally employed" "with some restrictions", he pondered.

"But we do see the number of women running companies", he finished.

Lots of research, on the other hand, shows that women make less than men while working in the same positions.

His remarks immediately drew fire from women's rights campaigners.

Out of 28 the areas with Ministerial level leadership positions in Temer's Government, only two are run by women: The AGU (Federal General Counsel) and Human Rights.

Fátima Pelaes, National Secretary for Women's Policies, played down what the President said by pointing out that it reflects the reality that "women continue live in today".

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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