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Women in Leadership: Geovana Quadros on Challenges and Unity
Geovana Quadros and Livia Matos discuss the changing landscape of women's leadership in Brazil, focusing on empowerment and equity.
In this episode of Donas da Voz, Geovana Quadros, founder of Mulheres Inspiradoras, and Livia Matos discuss the challenges and future of women's leadership. They delve into the importance of unity among women, overcoming prejudice, and building a more equitable environment for future generations.
In this inspiring episode of Donas da Voz, host Livia Matos welcomes Geovana Quadros, the renowned founder of the Mulheres Inspiradoras platform. Born in Pará, Geovana is now one of the leading voices in women's leadership, an entrepreneur, writer, and speaker. The conversation between these compatriots explores how unity and purpose can reshape the landscape for women in positions of power in Brazil.
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The Journey of “Mulheres Inspiradoras”
The Mulheres Inspiradoras platform wasn't born from a premeditated strategy, but rather from a genuine movement. Nine years ago, Geovana launched a book that for the first time brought together stories of high-level women leaders in Brazil, featuring names like Luiza Helena Trajano, Sônia Hess, and Consuelo Paskolato. The book's success and media attention surrounding female empowerment transformed an unpretentious gathering of 20 leaders into a community that now professionalizes inspiration, turning discourse into practical action.
Geovana's transition from a career in international trade, where she connected cultures and entrepreneurs, to the realm of women's leadership was natural. She realized that the higher she climbed professionally, the fewer women she encountered at negotiating tables. This observation led her to question why and to seek solutions for female underrepresentation. Initially, the project faced the challenge of validation: "Who is this girl from Pará creating this from scratch?" The answer, according to Geovana, lies in the authenticity and ability to organize a movement where women come together and grow, proving that together we are stronger.
Overcoming Challenges and the "Glass Ceiling"
The conversation delved into the barriers women face. Livia Matos highlighted that while men historically "run in packs" and help each other, women are now beginning to unite more. Geovana shared her own experience of trying to deconstruct the idea of being inferior due to her Northern origin, realizing that structure often tries to put us at a disadvantage. Her stance was one of deserving her space, ignoring criticism, and proving her worth through hard work.
Livia presented alarming data: in 2022, women still earn 23% less than men in the same positions, and the proportion of women in managerial roles has remained stagnant since 2012. In senior management, this number drops from 31% to 19%. This highlights the phenomenon of the glass ceiling, an invisible barrier that prevents women's advancement. Geovana revealed that, unconsciously, she reproduced masculine behaviors early in her career to try to belong to power groups, a scenario she now seeks to change by placing more women in leadership positions to inspire future generations.
Motherhood, Allies, and the Future of Equity
A crucial point of discussion was the romanticization of motherhood. Both agree that motherhood is often idealized, and society places immense pressure on women – whether to be perfect mothers or not to desire motherhood. Geovana, an ambassador for Coalizão com o Pai, advocates for extended, mandatory, and paid paternity leave as the first step towards equity. Current legislation, with only five days of leave for fathers, reinforces a biological division that penalizes women in the workplace. The effective inclusion of women and the engagement of men as allies are essential to transform this structure, and as Geovana emphasized: "It's not us against them, but us together." Technology companies, such as Amazon, already demonstrate the benefits of a more inclusive culture.
Strategic Networking and Legacy
When asked for practical tips, Geovana emphasized the power of strategic networking. For her, creating intentional and genuine relationships, focusing on what one can do for others, is a social capital that generates opportunities and value. "Build relationships not thinking about what you will get from others, but rather what I can do for that other person. That completely changes the game." This focus on relationships and purpose led Mulheres Inspiradoras to internationalize, with partnerships with UN Women and global events, expanding its impact and recognition.
"Watch Me": A Message of Strength
Concluding the conversation, Livia Matos asks what advice Geovana would give to her 15-year-old self. Geovana's response is a powerful reminder: "All those voices that insist on telling you that you can't are the same voices that should give you the greatest strength to respond: Watch me." It's a call to action, resilience, and persistence, transforming criticism into fuel for growth and achievement. The journey of women's leadership is continuous, paving the way for a future with more equity and empowerment for all women.
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