Pioneering behind the wheel. Ivonete Lima, 48, mother of three, has just entered the history of the Court of Justice of the State of Tocantins (TJTO) as the first woman to occupy the position of outsourced driver for the Judiciary of the state of Tocantins. With extensive experience in urban, road and tourist transportation, Ivonete has become a symbol of representativeness and breaking of paradigms in a historically male environment.
Qualified in the “A” and “D” categories, she has been on the road for more than a decade, driving cargo and passenger vehicles in different regions of the country. "I've driven many different types of transport. Now, being behind the wheel of a Judiciary vehicle has been a wonderful experience," she says proudly.
Diversity on the move
Ivonete is currently part of a team of 26 outsourced drivers based in the capital. Her arrival was greeted with enthusiasm by her colleagues, who recognize the positive impact of the presence of women in the team.
"The presence of a woman changes the atmosphere. The lightness, responsibility and attention in traffic are visible. Many people still think that this profession is only for men, but driving is also a place for woman, and she is excellent at what she does," praises colleague André Carlos Cardoso Duarte.
Justice Maysa Vendramini Rosal, president of the TJTO, highlighted the importance of the moment.
“Competence of women should be recognized in all areas. We are delighted to welcome Ivonete to our team of drivers. Her hiring is a milestone for the Court and it reinforces our commitment to gender equality.”
Along the same lines, Justice Etelvina Maria Sampaio Felipe, president of the Management Commission on Gender Equity Policy of the TJTO, points out that "Gender equity must be pursued at all levels, not just among magistrates. Diversity is a reflection of the society we want to build, which is fairer, more plural and more inclusive."
Carlos Henrique Drumond, the administrative director of the Court, explained that the hiring is in line with the Resolution No. 540 of the CNJ of 2023, which directs courts to promote gender, racial and ethnic equity, even in contracts with outsourced companies. "CNJ has encouraged the inclusion of women in the outsourced activities of the Judiciary. This is in line with the values of the TJTO, which values diversity and inclusion," he said.
Women at the wheel
The number of female professional drivers in Brazil has been growing significantly. According to data from the National Traffic Secretariat (Senatran), the total jumped from 75,771 in 2023 to 98,003 in 2024. And more than just presence, they also stand out in another area: safety. In the same period, 4,900 men lost their lives at the wheel, compared to 1,100 women. Almost 4 million Brazilian women now own motor vehicles.
At the TJTO, this reality is beginning to take shape. The hiring of Ivonete symbolizes more than a change in the workforce - it is a firm step towards equality.
João Carlos Sarri, an electrical engineer at the TJTO, was one of the first employees to be driven by the new driver and he was full of praise: "It was an excellent experience. She drives with care, serenity and professionalism. Her presence shows that inclusion isn't just talk, it's practice that actually improves our working environment”.
