Da Silva was born on 26 April 1942 in Praia do Pinto, Rio de Janeiro, to Ovídia da Silva and is one her mother's 13 children.[2] Benedita da Silva is also known as Bene.
According to Da Silva, her mother's matriarchal tendencies[dubious – discuss] have profoundly influenced her development.[2] She grew up in the favela of Chapéu Mangueira[2] in Copacabana. Da Silva was raped at the age of seven. She had several miscarriages and a baby that died soon after birth. At 16 she started working with the community school of the Chapéu Mangueira favela where she established a women's association and a women's branch of the Rio de Janeiro Federation of Favelas. She worked as a nursing aide and studied Social Studies. At the age of 40, Da Silva received her high-school diploma. She attended college at the same time as her 20-year-old daughter. During this period she also married a man named Manshino.[3]
After Manshino's death, Da Silva became involved in community service, where she met her second husband Bola. Bola inspired her politically and coordinated her campaign, which resulted in Da Silva's historic election as the first Workers' Party governor in Rio. Five years later, Da Silva became a widow for the second time. She would later meet her new husband, the actor Pitanga, as she campaigned for as a senator candidate. These relationships and the dynamics of Brazilian life combined with her activism propelled Da Silva to political prominence and controversy.
She did so at a time when both women and black people were not visible in Brazil's political process. Neither the loss of two husbands nor the hostility of the Brazilian press deterred her politically.
Current
Today, she is an advocate of women's rights both in Brazil and Latin America. Egalitarianism is her goal, not just for her constituents but to persons everywhere who are adversely affected by prejudice and poverty. According to Da Silva, "Racial democracy only exists in school books and official speeches; the elite in Brazil have promoted the myth of racial harmony to make people accept certain forms of discrimination and to deny the need for affirmative action." As a member of the African diaspora which came to the Americas as a result of the Maafa, and which stills suffer discrimination around the world based in the social relations constructed thereafter, Mrs Da Silva through her career is a figure who reinforces the benefits of full citizenship for racial minorities in Latin America.
1986 - Elected to the National Congress; fought to make amendments to the Brazilian Constitution on racial crimes, 120 days maternity leave, prohibition of difference of wages, and right of the prison inmates to breast-feed their children.
1994 - Elected to the Senate, becoming the first female senator in Brazil.
1998 - Became Vice-Governor of the State of Rio de Janeiro on the Anthony Garotinho ticket.
2002 - With Governor Anthony Garotinho resigning to run for president, Da Silva assumes the Governorship of the State of Rio de Janeiro, becoming the first woman and the first black person to occupy the office.
2003 - Leaving the State government, Silva takes the post of Social Action Secretary, where she remains until January 2004.
2006 - Assumed the general coordination of the campaign of re-election of current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Some periodicals speculated that, she would run for mayor of the City of Rio de Janeiro in 2008. It didn't happen.
Benedita da Silva's journey to political leadership alone is enough to make a statement regarding her character and determination. Da Silva's biography, "Benedita da Silva: An Afro-Brazilian woman's story of politics and love", tells, through a collection of interviews, of her hardships and successes while conveying her message to members of her audience. Through the novel, da Silva is able to impact its readers while also bringing to light the many issues that a prominent in Brazil, particularly in the Brazilian Favelas. She exposes prominent and controversial issues such as abortion, poverty, rape and sexual abuse, and inequality that plagued her personally.[4]
Da Silva's background and personal reputation as “three times a minority” (black, poor, and woman), she says[5] gives her a perspective into the lives of her electorate.[6] Her struggles and ethnicity make her relatable to the citizens in which she has leadership over. This type of advantage makes for a more insightful, diverse, and conscientious political leader.
She is a devout Pentecostal and draws much of her ideology from the progressive wing of the Pentecostal movement in Brazil. She describes herself as a "PTcostal."[4]
Legislation and advocacy
Racial Equality and Social Justice
Benedita da Silva has emerged as a prominent figure in the fight against racial discrimination in Brazil. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of laws aimed at combating structural racism.[7] Her commitment to promoting affirmative action policies and fostering inclusivity has left an indelible mark on Brazilian legislation. Da Silva's unwavering efforts have not only influenced legal frameworks but have also contributed significantly to raising public awareness about the persistent issues of racial inequality in the country. Da Silva's leadership has been instrumental in addressing the root causes of racial disparities, striving to create a more just and equitable society for all. Her advocacy extends beyond legal frameworks, encompassing initiatives that challenge societal norms and promote a culture of understanding and acceptance.
Women's Rights
Beyond her notable efforts in promoting racial and gender equality, Benedita da Silva stands out as a fervent supporter of human rights and healthcare initiatives.[8] Her dedication to these causes underscores a comprehensive perspective on social justice, recognizing the intricate connections among various challenges faced by marginalized communities. Da Silva's commitment extends to the healthcare domain, where she actively engages in initiatives aimed at enhancing access to quality healthcare for all Brazilians. In her advocacy for human rights, Da Silva places a particular emphasis on healthcare issues, striving to address systemic factors that contribute to disparities in health outcomes. Her focus on this aspect of social justice reflects a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges that impact vulnerable populations. By actively working towards systemic improvements, Da Silva aims to create lasting positive changes in healthcare access and outcomes for all members of Brazilian society.
Human Rights and Healthcare
Beyond her notable efforts in promoting racial and gender equality, Benedita da Silva stands out as a fervent supporter of human rights and healthcare initiatives. Her dedication to these causes underscores a comprehensive perspective on social justice, recognizing the intricate connections among various challenges faced by marginalized communities. Da Silva's commitment extends to the healthcare domain, where she actively engages in initiatives aimed at enhancing access to quality healthcare for all Brazilians.[9] In her advocacy for human rights, Da Silva places a particular emphasis on healthcare issues, striving to address systemic factors that contribute to disparities in health outcomes. Her focus on this aspect of social justice reflects a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges that impact vulnerable populations. By actively working towards systemic improvements, Da Silva aims to create lasting positive changes in healthcare access and outcomes for all members of Brazilian society.
Awards and recognitions
Throughout her career in politics and social activism, Benedita da Silva has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to social justice, human rights, and cultural diversity. Here are some of the most notable honors and awards she has received:
UNICEF Award - In 1988, Benedita da Silva received an award from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for her work promoting children's rights and welfare.[10]
Medalha de Mérito Pedro Ernesto - In 1990, she received the Medalha de Mérito Pedro Ernesto from the city of Rio de Janeiro for her contributions to the city's social development[11]
Order of Cultural Merit - In 1996, the Brazilian government awarded Benedita da Silva the Order of Cultural Merit for her contributions to the promotion of culture and diversity.[12]
Medal of the Order of Merit of Bahia - In 2009, Benedita da Silva was awarded the Medal of the Order of Merit of Bahia for her outstanding contributions to the development of the state of Bahia.[13]
Frei Tito Award - In 2010, she was awarded the Frei Tito de Alencar Prize by the Brazilian Bar Association for her human rights activism and political leadership.[14]
Grand Cross of the Order of Rio Branco - In 2010, she was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Rio Branco, one of the highest honors given by the Brazilian government, for her significant contributions to the country's international relations.[15]
Honorary Doctorate - In 2011, she received an honorary doctorate degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in recognition of her political and social contributions to Brazil.[16]
Bertha Lutz Prize - In 2019, Benedita da Silva was awarded the Bertha Lutz Prize by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies for her work promoting women's rights and gender equality.[17]
Honorary Citizen - In 2019, Benedita da Silva was named an honorary citizen of the city of Salvador in recognition of her contributions to social justice and human rights.[18]
Memoir
Benedita da Silva's memoir, published in 1997, provides a captivating narrative that delves into the multifaceted aspects of her life. Through her personal experiences, reflections, and insights, she illuminates the intricate interplay between poverty and social struggles, elucidates the complexities of race and identity within the context of Brazil, and delves into the significance of family and culture in shaping her journey.[4] Her unwavering persistence and resilience in the face of adversity emerge as prominent themes, underscoring her dedication to activism and social issues that resonate deeply with her connection to the favela community. The book offers a poignant portrayal of her achievements, the challenges she has encountered, and her unwavering commitment to effecting positive change within Brazilian society.
^Silva, B., M. Benjamin, & M. Mendonça (1997), Benedita da Silva: An Afro-Brazilian woman's story of politics and love. Oakland, Ca: Institute for Food and Development Policy.
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