Black women in public administration

trajectories and experiences of black women at the São Paulo City Hall

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21874/rsp.v76ic.11014

Keywords:

black women, public administration, intersectionality

Abstract

The present study investigates the impact of racism and sexism on the professional experience of Black women in the City Hall of São Paulo, through the lens of Black feminist thought and intersectionality. Employing a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Black women who held permanent and commissioned positions in the city hall over the past 15 years. The findings corroborated the initial hypothesis that racism and sexism deeply affect the lived experiences of these women in the workplace. A complex set of relational mechanisms contributing to the maintenance of intersecting systems of power of racism and sexism was identified. Additionally, the interviewees demonstrated the imprint of their personal experiences and commitments on the public policies they led, underscoring the importance of diversity in policy management and implementation. This study provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Black women in public administration and emphasizes the urgent need to address institutionalized racism and sexism to promote greater gender and racial equity in the public sector.

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Author Biography

Eloya Porto da Rocha, Mestre em Humanidades, Direitos e Outras Legitimidades (USP), São Paulo – SP, Brasil

Mestre em Humanidades, Direitos e Outras Legitimidades e Bacharel em Gestão de Políticas Públicas pela Universidade de São Paulo (USP).

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Published

2026-01-23

How to Cite

Porto da Rocha, E. (2026). Black women in public administration: trajectories and experiences of black women at the São Paulo City Hall. Revista Do Serviço Público, 76(c), 255-276. https://doi.org/10.21874/rsp.v76ic.11014

Issue

Section

Edição Especial: Mulheres na gestão pública (encerrada)