International Women’s Day serves as both a celebration of achievements and a reminder of the challenges women continue to face, particularly as reports surface about setbacks in gender equity policies in some organizations. To reinforce the importance of keeping this conversation alive, the Equaliza Committee at Vernalha Pereira hosted an online discussion on March 11, featuring special guest Lucilaine Medeiros, CEO of Aegea’s concessions in Espírito Santo.

Opening the event, our lawyers welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of fostering inclusivity, both in the legal field and in corporate environments at large. Lucilaine then shared insights from her 20-year career in the sanitation sector, a traditionally male-dominated industry that is now increasingly opening doors to female leadership. “I noticed that women wanted to change this landscape and show that they were part of it too,” she recalled.

Disparities and leadership

One of the key topics discussed was wage disparity and the need for clear policies to address it. Lucilaine highlighted that while the gender pay gap has narrowed over the years, much work remains to be done to achieve true equality. She pointed to salary transparency, mentorship programs, and more equitable performance evaluation processes as crucial steps. In her view, “A law on paper means nothing without real intent to implement fair criteria that promote equity,” she noted.

Another challenge brought to light was the perception of women in leadership roles. When women assert themselves firmly, they are often labeled as “aggressive” or “inflexible.” According to Lucilaine, this perception is largely shaped by cultural factors and the additional responsibilities often placed on women. “If you don’t have a place of peace - your home - you can be sure you won’t be a good leader,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of personal organization and support from partners, family, and the company itself to balance career and personal life.

Breaking barriers

Throughout the discussion, it became evident that while progress has been made, cultural barriers still need to be overcome. At the same time, many companies are genuinely committed to inclusion and diversity, creating environments where women can thrive as leaders. In the sanitation sector, for instance, Lucilaine highlighted the rise of internal programs focused on gender equity, which have successfully increased the number of women in executive roles.

The event concluded on a note of optimism and determination. “Believe in yourselves, women - it is possible. Let’s go after it, let’s seek education, and let’s be resilient,” Lucilaine encouraged. This was the key message of Vernalha Pereira’s International Women’s Day celebration: change starts with awareness, and well-structured policies empower everyone to build a fair and equitable workplace.

Next steps

The Equaliza Committee at Vernalha Pereira reaffirms its commitment to addressing gender equity in a practical and inclusive way. The group aims to keep this conversation alive within our ecosystem, inspiring actions that make a difference both within and beyond the firm.