Brazil: Chamber of Deputies greenlights bill allocating part of lotteries funds to uplift women's sports

The Committee for the Defense of Women’s Rights of the Chamber of Deputies in Brazil has approved Bill 3646/23. The core of the legislation revolves around the strategic allocation of a portion of funds generated from lotteries to uplift and fortify women's sports across the nation.

This legislative proposal, spearheaded by Deputy Natália Bonavides (PT-RN), stands as an initiative aimed at boosting the involvement of women in sports. The approved bill proposes the allocation of a 30% share of lottery funds specifically earmarked to support women's sports.

This financial injection is poised to invigorate various sporting entities. Going beyond financial provisions, the bill also addresses the need for diversity in leadership positions within the sports community. It delineates that 5% of the resources slated for transfer to entities of the National Confederation of Clubs (Fenaclubes) will be exclusively dedicated to training programs tailored for managers of social clubs.

Deputy Lêda Borges (PSDB-GO), who served as the rapporteur for the bill, provided insights into the broader vision propelling this legislative move.

"By promoting the development of women’s sport and encouraging, from the ground up, those female athletes who dedicate themselves and work in various sports, the project aims to improve the infrastructure and increase the visibility of competitions in this area," explained Deputy Lêda Borges.

The bill, once officially enacted, will set into motion a stipulated one-year timeframe for entities receiving funds from lotteries to align with the new regulatory framework. The commencement of this adaptation period initiates immediately following the law's formal publication.

The bill, currently positioned under the broader umbrella of the Sports Betting Law, is poised to undergo comprehensive scrutiny and analysis in both the Sports Commissions and the Constitution and Justice and Citizenship committees.