Washington, DC –Silvia Rita Souza, a member of WDN from Brazil, released her second newest book entitled, A Mulher Candidata – Competindo Para Vencer, or The Woman Candidate – Racing to Win.  The book includes a step-by-step guide for women who are preparing to run for office based on Souza’s experience both in Brazil and internationally on behalf of WDN. 

A founding member of WDN, Souza has learned and shared best practices with women from all over the world  and currently serves as a mentor to another Brazlian women active in politics through WDN’s mentorship program.  Last year, Souza attended the WDN Legislative Conference in Lithuania which gave her the opportunity to see how other countries were expanding women’s rights and participation in politics.  She also had the opportunity to observe the VI Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies.

Souza is currently conducting a book tour across Brazil which has drawn attention from women from multiple political parties all across the country. With a political career spanning several decades advising legislators, Souza shares with women her belief that it is the responsibility of Brazilian women to participate in the decision-making processes of their country as they make up 52 percent of its population. The book is written to encourage women to seek office while providing them with a manual on how to successfully carry out their campaigns.

A role model and mentor to many young aspiring women leaders, Souza currently serves as chief of staff to Congresswoman Fatima Paleas, who is chair of the women’s wing of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB).  In 2012, Souza collaborated with the PMDB, the largest political party in Brazil, to write a candidates guide for women competing for municipal office.  The manual also includes guidelines for women who win office to effectively carry out their duties.

A Mulher Candidata – Competindo Para Vencer is currently available in Portuguese with plans for English and French translations in the near future.