Brazil Army's First Female General Says She Opened Doors but Rejects Feminism

Claudia Lima Gusmão Cacho, 57, is the first woman to reach the rank of general in the Brazilian Army. In an interview with Folha, the officer attributes her groundbreaking promotion to her own work and the Armed Forces’ adaptation to women’s participation.

"It is a combination of factors. It was not something abrupt. It was built over the years," she says.

The general denies facing resistance from colleagues and says men and women have always had the same activities, rights and duties within the institution.

Claudia acknowledges that her unprecedented achievement opens doors for other women, but stresses that "it is not because she is a woman." "It is because she worked, studied, had the competence and merit to get there. That, yes, serves as inspiration for others to come and will come. They are coming, many of them."

Despite this, the general says she has never considered herself a feminist, arguing that opportunities should be available to everyone and that it is up to each person to pursue their goals. "And then, it is up to each one," she says.

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