Flávio Bolsonaro said he had two daughters to be cared for in old age

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a presidential hopeful, stated Wednesday that he intentionally had two daughters to ensure he would be cared for in his old age. "Most of the time, it is women who have to take care of the elderly. I had two daughters precisely for that. When I get old, I will have someone to take care of me because women are like that: they are family, they are heart, they are feeling, they are sensitivity," he said.

Bolsonaro's remarks were made during an event where he is seeking a female vice presidential running mate, an effort to mitigate female voter resistance to his candidacy. He had previously invited Senator Tereza Cristina, but her party opted for neutrality in the upcoming election. Bolsonaro attended the event with his wife, Fernanda Bolsonaro, and was joined by other women, including Senators Tereza Cristina and Damares Alves, and Federal Deputy Bia Kicis.

The senator's comments have drawn attention as he positions himself for a presidential bid, highlighting a perceived gendered role in elder care. His statement suggests a pragmatic, rather than purely familial, motivation behind having daughters, linking it directly to his future needs and societal perceptions of women's roles.

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Most of the time, it is women who have to take care of the elderly. I had two daughters precisely for that. When I get old, I will have someone to take care of me because women are like that: they are family, they are heart, they are feeling, they are sensitivity.