Foz do Iguaçu has approximately 2.300 roads that cross the city. Of these, 960 are named after historical figures from different sectors and nationalities. However, a survey by the portal H2FOZ reveals a significant gender disparity in this public tribute. Furthermore, the same occurs in several cities in Brazil.
A survey based on data from the 2022 IBGE Census shows that, of the 960 streets named after people, only 157 (16,4%) honor women. On the other hand, 803 streets (83,6%) refer to male figures.
Note: The survey may contain minor inconsistencies, as census takers filled out the data manually. Even so, we have taken measures to minimize errors, such as grouping duplicate names.
Despite their low representation, some women of great local, national and international relevance were remembered in the naming of the city's streets. In this sense, they left their mark on history in several areas, from science to culture.
Women of national importance honored in Foz do Iguaçu
Anita Garibaldi (Claudia Garden) – Known as the “Heroine of the Two Worlds”, she fought alongside her husband, Giuseppe Garibaldi, both in the unification of Italy and in the Farroupilha Revolution in Brazil.
Anna Nery (Claudia Garden) – A pioneer of nursing in Brazil, she voluntarily offered her services during the Paraguayan War and became a symbol of dedication and care.
Cecilia Meireles (Monjolo) – One of the greatest poets in Brazil, she left a vast contribution to the country’s literature and education.
Clara Nunes (Monjolo) – Singer and composer, she shone as one of the most popular interpreters of Brazilian music, especially samba, and passionately defended Afro-Brazilian culture.
Clarice Lispector (Claudia Garden) – Writer and journalist, she left her mark on Brazilian literature with her introspective and innovative works.
Elis Regina (University Garden) – With her powerful voice and emotional interpretation, she revolutionized Brazilian popular music and was one of the greatest singers in the country.
Leila Diniz (Monjolo) – Actress and feminist icon, she challenged social norms and became a symbol of female emancipation.
Marie Curie (Claudia Garden) – Polish scientist naturalized French, she was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win the prize in two different scientific areas (Physics and Chemistry).
Local honorees
Among the 157 women honored on the streets of Foz do Iguaçu, local and family stories that left their mark on the city stand out. Elfrida Engel Nunes Rios, for example, is a pioneer whose family was a pioneer in the city's tourism and hotel industry. In her writings, she recorded details of Santos Dumont's visit to the city. Her father, Frederico Engel, guided the “Father of Aviation” to the Iguaçu Falls. In addition to having a street in Beverly Falls Park, Elfrida also gave her name to Foz's public library, thus perpetuating her legacy.
At the state level, Julia da Costa stands out as the first woman from Paraná to publish a book. Her inaugural work, Scattered Flowers, published in 1867, is considered a milestone in Brazilian women's literature. Today, a street in Jardim Cláudia is named after her, paying homage to her cultural contribution.
On the other hand, there are indications that many of those honored on the streets are relatives of the owners of the subdivisions. This practice, although common, raises questions about the representation of public and historical figures in the naming of streets.
Little representation
Previously, in 2021, reporter Guilherme Wojciechowski, from H2FOZ, carried out a detailed analysis of the city's central area. He found that, among four squares and 53 public roads in the center, Maracanã and Boicy, only one street was named after a woman: Elsa Britto da Silva. Located behind the Super Muffato Boicy, this tribute is an exception in a scenario dominated by male names.
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