‘What is the role of the first lady?’ Question took over the networks after journalist criticised Janja, Lula’s wife

Ívina Garcia – from Cenarium Magazine

MANAUS – The tag “Respect Janja” is among the most commented subjects on Twitter since last Friday, 11, after comments from journalist Eliane Cantanhêde were considered sexist and misogynistic by Internet users during the news show “Em Pauta”, from GloboNews.

The political commentator criticised the position of Rosângela Lula da Silva, known as Janja, in the transition office between President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and Jair Bolsonaro (PL). “She was sitting there, but she is not president of the PT, she is not a political leader, she is not party president, so why was she there? What was the role of the first lady?”, the commentator questioned.

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Janja is 56 years old, a sociologist and joined the PT when she was 17, has a degree in Social Sciences and an MBA in Social Management and Sustainability, she also specialised in History, from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR).

The future first lady was announced as Lula’s chief of staff, responsible for the inauguration ceremony, scheduled to take place on 1 January 2023, when she will also assume the post of Brazil’s 38th first lady, succeeding Bolsonaro’s wife, Michelle Bolsonaro.

The GloboNews journalist also recalled the performance of other first ladies, praising those with more restrained behaviour compared to Janja’s performance. Cantanhêde cited Ruth Cardoso, wife of Fernando Henrique Cardoso, who, according to the commentator, had “her own brilliance”, but not “protagonism”.

“She [Ruth Cardoso] had no role, had no say in policy decisions, if she had, it was under lock and key, inside the couple’s bedroom, that is, it already bothers, yes, because she [Janja] will start to participate in meetings, she will give her opinion and soon, she will say ‘this one will be a minister, this one can not’. This causes confusion. If it’s like this during the transition, imagine when she becomes first lady”, said the journalist.

Liege Albuquerque, a journalist and political scientist from Amazonas, said that Cantanhêde’s comments were “unfortunate”. “Even because she covered Mrs. Ruth, she knew that she actively participated in Fernando Henrique’s government, she won’t be the first to work for Brazil and I hope she won’t be the last”, she said.

Liege also points out that even if she is not elected, the role of the first lady goes beyond just “being an ornament” next to her husband. “She [Janja] is a trained, intelligent woman and certainly has a lot to add to Brazil”, she said.

Officially, the position is not considered an official position, so it has no attributions, salary or defined functions, but over the years, Brazil’s first ladies have developed roles linked to social causes and representativeness.

Cantanhêde’s co-worker, journalist André Trigueiro, responded to her criticism by suggesting that the term “first lady” be reformed. “I think it is important to demolish this term, you know, Lili [in reference to Eliane Cantanhêde], I don’t know your opinion, but ‘first lady’ does not favour the syndicate you belong to”, said the journalist.

Trigueiro also said that it is necessary to reinvent the imaginary about the role of the “wife of the most powerful man in Brazil” that “it has already become very clear, in this government, it will not exactly be someone who will play the role of housewife, subservient to her husband”, said André, recalling Lula’s speech during the victory party in São Paulo, where he said that “a woman’s place is wherever she wants”.

In an interview to Rede Globo’s Fantástico TV show, Janja spoke about her role alongside Lula, she said she carries an active position, one that adds up, and doesn’t want to be seen as someone who stands by him. “Today, I think it is important that whoever looks at him also sees me. This did not happen before. One only looked at him. Today, he has a complement, a sum, which is me. It’s not because I’m on his side. It’s because I’m that person with a proposal, who doesn’t just sit there, who goes and does it”, she said.

“I think that my commitment is certainly to bring to light some issues that I carry in my history, which is the issue of violence against women. I want to work hard on this, to have this discussion with society. A provisional measure will not solve this situation”, said Janja, who defends agendas involving the greater presence of women in politics, the fight against hunger and racism.

Repercussion

On social networks, supporters, politicians and personalities came out in defence of Janja. The federal lawmaker elected by São Paulo, Marina Silva, wrote on Instagram a text defending Janja’s performance and talking about the sociologist’s relevance throughout Lula’s campaign.

“Eliane Cantanhêde could have celebrated that the future first lady, while ceasing to be a mere extra and innovating with her performance, stimulates the political capacity of other women, inspires them and encourages them to occupy the relevant place that befits them in decision-making environments in the public and private spheres”, Marina Silva wrote.

Senator Randolfe Rodrigues praised the work of the future first lady and stressed that the time of the “modest and homely” first ladies is over.

Actress Leandra Leal spoke of her pride in having an intelligent and active future first lady:

Senator Simone Tebet also posted support for Janja on Twitter. Tebet posted a photo with the future first lady highlighting her important role alongside President-elect Lula.

Singer Daniela Mercury recalled that Janja had already spoken about re-signifying the role of first lady: