Dilma Rousseff Quotes

Powerful Dilma Rousseff for Daily Growth

About Dilma Rousseff

Dilma Vana Rousseff, born on December 14, 1947, in Belém, Pará, Brazil, served as the first female President of Brazil from 2011 to 2016. Before embarking on a political career, she had a distinguished academic and professional life marked by resilience and commitment to social justice. Born into a family of Greek immigrants, Dilma Rousseff's childhood was shaped by her father's political activism against the military regime that ruled Brazil from 1964 to 1985. At age 17, she joined the clandestine leftist movement and was arrested and tortured by the military. This harrowing experience instilled in her a deep-seated commitment to democracy and social equality. After her release, Rousseff went on to study economics at the University of São Paulo and later earned a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics. Returning to Brazil, she began her career as an academic and civil servant. In 2005, she was appointed Chief of Staff by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a position she held until his term ended in 2010. In the presidential elections that year, Rousseff ran as the Workers' Party candidate and won, becoming Brazil's first female president. Her presidency was marked by efforts to combat poverty, promote economic development, and maintain Brazil's international standing. However, her term was marred by a deep recession and corruption scandals, leading to her impeachment in 2016 on charges of budget manipulation. Post-presidency, Rousseff has continued to be a vocal advocate for progressive policies and social justice, using her platform to criticize the current political climate in Brazil. Her biography is a testament to resilience, commitment, and the power of transformation, even under adversity.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I am a woman, a worker, and a citizen. That makes me a Brazilian."

This quote by Dilma Rousseff, the former President of Brazil, emphasizes that her identities as a woman, a worker, and a citizen are integral to her being Brazilian. It suggests that these aspects of her identity - gender, occupation, and nationality - intersect to form her unique identity as a Brazilian. Furthermore, it underscores the idea that personal identities are not separate but overlapping dimensions that contribute significantly to one's sense of belonging and connection to their country.


"I believe in justice and in equality. I don't think that it is fair to ask people to be happy with less just because they are poor."

This quote from Dilma Rousseff highlights her commitment to social justice and equality. She argues against the notion of accepting economic disparity as an inherent reality, stating that everyone deserves equal opportunities for happiness and well-being regardless of their financial status. In essence, she advocates for a fairer society where wealth should not dictate the level of joy and contentment one experiences.


"The true measure of a nation is not the number of billionaires it produces, but the number of citizens who live a life of dignity."

This quote by Dilma Rousseff emphasizes that wealth accumulation, as represented by the number of billionaires, should not be the primary indicator of a nation's success or greatness. Instead, she suggests that the true measure of a nation is its ability to provide its citizens with a life of dignity, which encompasses basic human rights, access to resources, opportunities for growth and personal development, and overall quality of life. This perspective underscores the importance of social equality, economic opportunities, and sustainable development in defining a nation's success and progress.


"We must build a Brazil for all Brazilians, a Brazil that leaves no one behind."

This quote from Dilma Rousseff expresses her vision of a socially inclusive Brazil, where every citizen has an equal opportunity to prosper. It signifies the aspiration for a nation that prioritizes equality and ensures no individual or group is marginalized or left behind in the pursuit of progress. The quote emphasizes the importance of policies and decisions that consider the needs and welfare of all segments of society, fostering social justice and cohesion.


"In times of crisis, there is always an opportunity to choose between fear and courage, cynicism and hope, inertia and transformation. I choose transformation."

In times of crisis, individuals or societies must decide between allowing fear and cynicism to paralyze them, or embracing courage and hope for positive change. Dilma Rousseff's quote suggests that in such situations, she opts for transformation – choosing to seize the opportunity for growth, adaptation, and improvement rather than giving in to despair or inaction. This perspective underscores resilience, optimism, and proactive problem-solving as essential traits for overcoming adversity and moving forward with progress.


I had great admiration for the election of President Obama. I believe that the U.S. at that moment showed tremendous capacity to show that it is a great nation, and it surprised the world. It may be very difficult to be able to elect a black president in the U.S. - as it was very difficult to elect a woman president in Brazil.

- Dilma Rousseff

Woman, Brazil, Very, Woman President

I am not an adolescent, nor a romantic. I analyze objectively.

- Dilma Rousseff

Romantic, I Am, Nor, Adolescent

Due to the fact that I experienced personally the situation of a political prisoner, I have an historical commitment to all those that were or are prisoners just because they expressed their views, their public opinion, their own opinions.

- Dilma Rousseff

Fact, Own, Prisoner, Expressed

I consider the relationship with the U.S. very important to Brazil. I will try to forge closer ties with the U.S.

- Dilma Rousseff

Important, Brazil, Very, Forge

I believe that Brazil was prepared to elect a woman. Why? Because Brazilian women achieved that. I didn't come here by myself, by my own merits. We are a majority here in this country.

- Dilma Rousseff

Brazil, Country, Here, Elect

We will not play with inflation. We are living a delicate moment. President Obama spoke to me today about the high unemployment affecting the United States. In this crisis period, when the developed nations are not recovering, it's prudent to maintain the established inflation target.

- Dilma Rousseff

Play, Delicate, Recovering, Prudent

I hope the fathers and mothers of little girls will look at them and say 'yes, women can.'

- Dilma Rousseff

Will, Yes, Fathers, Little Girls

My mission is to eradicate poverty.

- Dilma Rousseff

Poverty, Mission, Eradicate

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