The Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) hosted the in-person phase of the second edition of the Women in Leadership Exchange Program on Public Governance and Management – ProInter-TCU, from November 25 to 29 in Brasília.

This edition included 40 experts from 17 countries, including TCU staff members and representatives from institutions linked to the Organization of the Supreme Audit Institutions of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (OISC/CPLP) and the Organization of Latin American and Caribbean Supreme Audit Institutions (OLACEFS).

Cristina Machado, the Attorney General of the Public Prosecution Office at the TCU (MPTCU), and Elisa Calcaterra, the Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), delivered opening remarks. Margit Kraker, the Secretary General of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), also joined in by addressing the participants through a video message.

During the event, Cristina Machado shared her professional journey, emphasizing the challenges of balancing motherhood with career advancement. She noted that the unequal distribution of household chores and parenting responsibilities often leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, which can hold women back in their careers.

“Societal expectations about women's roles, particularly within the family, often discourage them from pursuing ambitious and dedicated careers," she observed. "This results in limited opportunities for professional growth, pushing us into secondary roles in the workforce and ultimately excluding us from important decision-making processes.”

Challenges and progress

Highlighting the Court's commitment to gender equity, Cristina Machado emphasized its adherence to the UNDP Gender Equality Seal and the establishment of the Technical Committee for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (CTEDI). These initiatives aim to increase female representation within the institution.

The Attorney General acknowledged the progress made thus far, despite historical challenges such as limited female representation in leadership roles. “While there is still a long journey ahead, we have already started moving in the right direction with a clear vision of where we want to go. The good practices we have implemented should establish a new standard and serve as a foundation for a new perspective on female participation in external control activities,” she declared.

Representing the UNDP, Elisa Calcaterra emphasized that gender equality and effective governance are key drivers for achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “By addressing these crucial areas, we can significantly accelerate progress toward a fairer and more equitable world for all,” she stated.

Gender equity is a priority for INTOSAI

Speaking on behalf of INTOSAI, Margit Kraker highlighted that gender equality has been elevated to an organizational priority in the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. “This reflects INTOSAI's commitment to supporting its members in promoting equal opportunities for staff and auditing government initiatives on equality and inclusion. Women bring immense value to our organizations, and it's essential that we continue to advance gender equality at all levels,” she stated.

Women and positions of power

A roundtable discussion featuring Mafoane Odara, a human rights and gender inequality specialist and psychologist, and Ana Carolina Querino, UN Women Brazil Interim Representative and gender equity activist, delved into the challenges faced by women in public administration leadership roles. The discussion was moderated by TCU auditor and CTEDI coordinator, Marcela Timóteo.

Marcela highlighted that the program’s start date, November 25, coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. “This day of global mobilization reminds us that we must continue fighting. Women in leadership roles and the eradication of violence against women are interconnected issues. As women, we have the power to shape public policies and create tools for everyone to promote gender equality. However, we must take the lead in this movement,” she emphasized.

 Watch the full debate here.

ProInter-TCU: Women in Leadership

The “Women in Leadership” program is part of TCU’s Exchange Program on Public Governance and Management (ProInter-TCU), an initiative led by the Court as Chair of INTOSAI. Its goal is to encourage experience sharing, strengthen cooperation among female leaders, and disseminate best practices in governance and equity.

The exchange program is promoted in partnership with Pro PALOP-TL ISC, an international cooperation program financed by the UNDP, aimed at strengthening economic governance and public financial management systems in Portuguese-speaking African Countries (PALOP).

The first edition of the program was held in 2023, with the participation of 15 experts from Supreme Audit Institutions from Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste.

The second edition includes participants from Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Mexico, Mozambique, Paraguay, Portugal, the Dominican Republic, São Tomé and Príncipe, Uruguay, and Venezuela.