Gender and Brazilian Foreign Policy: The Presence of Intersectionality in International Acts

Abstract

Through the lens of intersectionality, this article evaluates Brazilian foreign policy and international acts signed outside the UN system, aiming to understand how this perspective is portrayed and present in the documents signed by Brazil. The concept of intersectionality is used as an analytical and theoretical tool by recognizing the multiple dimensions of oppression and inequalities that shape social relations. For this article, research was conducted in the institutional repository of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to locate the agreements, using terms related to the protection of women's human rights and gender issues, such as Discrimination, Human Rights, Empowerment, Equity, Equality, Intersectionality, Women, Race, and Violence. After the initial selection, the documents were meticulously analyzed to identify sections addressing gender issues from an intersectional perspective. Among the key findings, it was observed that, while some documents incorporate this approach, the majority of the analyzed international agreements do not, focusing instead on unidirectional and empowerment-based solutions. This absence significantly limits the effectiveness of the public policies and instruments under review. Aligning with Crenshaw's perspective, the lack of a broad application of intersectionality greatly diminishes the potential of these policies to achieve their goals of addressing violence and structural inequalities. Therefore, it is essential to consistently integrate this approach to foster effective and inclusive change.