'Womens Rights Are Not Given; They Are Wrested', Says the New President of the Superior Military Court

Maria Elizabeth is the first and only woman to hold the position

Dec.10.2024 12:49PM

Maria Elizabeth Rocha, the first and only woman in history to occupy a seat on the Superior Military Court, almost witnessed the tribunal change a centuries-old tradition to block her from taking the role.

The election is a formal act held every two years. When it was Elizabeth’s turn, Justice Péricles de Queiroz decided to put forward his candidacy. In the most tightly contested election since the end of the military dictatorship, the minister won by 8 votes to 7.

"It was painful, I won’t deny it," says Maria Elizabeth. She asserts that women’s rights "are not given; they are wrested."



Justice Maria Elizabeth Rocha, of the Superior Military Court - (Foto: Divulgação) - Superior Tribunal Militar/Divulgação


Are there issues related to women that deserve updates in the Military Penal Code?

It’s not just the hierarchy and military discipline that we must safeguard. There are other values, such as integrity, combating racism, and transphobia, that we must address.

More:
https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/brazil/2024/12/womens-rights-are-not-given-they-are-wrested-says-the-new-president-of-the-superior-military-court.shtml