Dilma Rousseff

Dilma Rousseff became Brazil's first female president in 2011, but was impeached and removed from office in 2016.

Political Figure

December 14, 1947

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Dilma Rousseff, a Brazilian economist and politician, served as the country’s 36th President from 2011 to 2016, making history as the first woman to hold the position. She is well-known for her efforts to combat poverty and promote sustainable economic growth. Some of her most significant accomplishments include improving access to education and healthcare for low-income families, advancing infrastructure projects, and reducing Brazil’s reliance on foreign oil. Additionally, she held roles as Chief of Staff and Minister of Energy and Mines under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration. However, her presidency came to a contentious end with her impeachment in 2016, which was viewed as a coup by her supporters and a necessary move for democracy by her critics.