Post Updated: Monday, October 26, 2026
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a historic fourth term on October 25, 2026, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro in the runoff. Standing firmly beside him throughout the campaign and celebration was his wife, Rosângela da Silva, widely known as Janja. As First Lady since January 2023, she continues in the role for another four years.
This sociologist and longtime political activist has become one of the most visible first ladies in recent Brazilian history, blending personal loyalty with public engagement on social and environmental causes.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Professional Background
Rosângela da Silva was born on August 27, 1966, in União da Vitória, Paraná. She grew up in Curitiba and earned a degree in Social Sciences from the Federal University of Paraná. She later completed specialization in History and an MBA focused on social management and sustainability.
Her career centered on public-sector work. She joined Itaipu Binacional in 2005, contributing to sustainable development programs, and later worked at Eletrobras in communications and institutional relations before returning to Itaipu until 2020. These roles gave her practical experience in large-scale projects involving community development and environmental issues.
She joined the Workers’ Party (PT) at age 17 and participated in movements such as Diretas Já, showing early commitment to progressive politics.
Relationship with Lula and Path to the Presidency
Janja first crossed paths with Lula in the 1990s during the Caravanas da Cidadania. Their romantic relationship began later. After the death of Lula’s second wife, Marisa Letícia, in 2017, and during his imprisonment in Curitiba from 2018 to 2019, Janja became a consistent source of support. She visited him, sent food, and delivered messages through lawyers.
Their relationship became public in November 2019 when Lula was released. They married on May 18, 2022, in a Catholic ceremony in São Paulo. When Lula returned to the presidency in 2023, Janja assumed the role of First Lady and quickly developed a more active public profile than many of her predecessors.
Role as First Lady and Public Initiatives
As First Lady, Janja has focused on issues that align with her background:
- Women’s rights and efforts to combat gender-based violence
- Fighting hunger and poverty
- Environmental protection and sustainability
- International representation on climate and social agendas
In 2025 she was named a special representative for COP30 with a focus on women. In March 2026 the FAO designated her a Goodwill Champion against Hunger. She has accompanied Lula on official trips and hosted or participated in high-level meetings, often emphasizing social inclusion and gender equity.
Supporters view her as a modern, engaged first lady who brings professional expertise to the role. Critics sometimes question the extent of her influence within government circles. Regardless of perspective, her visibility has been consistent throughout Lula’s third term and into the start of the fourth.
Key Facts About Rosângela “Janja” da Silva
Detail Information Full Name Rosângela Lula da Silva (née da Silva) Popular Name Janja Date of Birth August 27, 1966 Age (as of 2026) 60 Birthplace União da Vitória, Paraná, Brazil Education Social Sciences (UFPR); MBA in social management Marriage to Lula May 18, 2022 Role First Lady of Brazil (since Jan 1, 2023) Political Affiliation Workers’ Party (PT) since age 17 Main Focus Areas Women’s rights, anti-hunger, environment
Conclusion
Rosângela “Janja” da Silva has moved from a career in sustainable development and party activism to become Brazil’s First Lady during two consecutive presidential terms. Her journey with Lula—from quiet support during difficult years to public partnership during historic electoral victories—reflects both personal commitment and a clear interest in social causes. As Lula begins his fourth term in January 2027, Janja remains a visible and active presence at the center of Brazilian public life.
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