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Tens of thousands of individuals, primarily women, united in a powerful display across Brazil to protest against femicide and the widespread issue of gender-based violence. Major cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo saw significant gatherings where participants expressed their outrage over a series of brutal incidents that have recently emerged, prompting increased demands for immediate action.
Rising concerns over femicide and misogyny
The recent protests were sparked by alarming incidents of violence against women, notably the tragic cases of Taynara Souza Santos and Catarina Kasten. Santos was killed by her ex-boyfriend, who ran her over and dragged her for a kilometer, leading to severe injuries that required amputations. Kasten’s brutal murder, occurring as she headed to a swimming lesson, underscores the daily risks women encounter.
Public outcry and personal stories
Among the demonstrators, Alline de Souza Pedrotti shared a poignant account of her sister, who was tragically killed by a male colleague resisting female leadership. Pedrotti, expressing her devastation, stated, “I want legislative changes and new protocols to ensure such violence does not happen again.” Her call for change resonated deeply with the participants, who carried placards demanding an end to femicide and chanted slogans like “Stop killing us.”
Historical context of femicide in Brazil
Brazil has faced significant challenges related to femicide over the years. In 2015, legislation was enacted that specifically recognized femicide as a distinct crime. This law defines femicide as the killing of a woman within a domestic context or motivated by misogyny. Despite this legal recognition, statistics indicate a worrying trend: in 2025, 1,492 women lost their lives to femicide, representing the highest figure since the law was implemented. Juliana Martins, an expert in gender-based violence, emphasized that not only are the numbers increasing, but the nature of these incidents is also becoming more brutal.
Empowerment and resistance
In response to alarming statistics, a growing movement among women is emerging to challenge violence and discrimination. Increasingly, women are entering the public sphere, confronting societal norms that have historically supported misogyny. Lizete de Paula, a 79-year-old protester, highlighted the rise of hostility towards women during the administration of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who weakened protections for women’s rights. “Macho men can’t stand women entering new spaces,” she stated, echoing the frustrations shared by many.
The role of men in the fight against violence
As protests unfolded, support from men emerged, emphasizing their crucial role in combating misogyny. Joao Pedro Cordao, a father of three daughters, highlighted the necessity for men to actively oppose misogynistic behavior in everyday life, not just during protests. He stated, “Only through widespread societal change can we hope to diminish the violence against women,” underlining the importance of collective action.
Protesters in Brazil are advocating for urgent reforms to address the systemic issues contributing to femicide and gender-based violence. These demonstrations serve as a compelling reminder of the need for societal change and legislative action to protect women and ensure their safety in all spheres of life.