Brief summary of presentation of information made

The presentation was made by 8 different panelists. Each one shared about the challenges of the Brazilian society in different areas.  

• Brazil is the fifth most dangerous place for a woman to live in the world
• Criminalization of feminicide is a recent change (2015)
• The new law proposed that supports gun possession will result in an increase of violence against women
• Abortion is still an illegal practice, and this is a risk for women’s health
• Although women represent almost 75% of the work force, they only earn 72% of a man’s salary and are more likely to lose their jobs
• There is a need for the Maria da Penha law which addresses gender-based violence (http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2011/8/maria-da-penha-law-a-name-that-changed-society)
• Woman are not well represented in the Brazilian Congress

 

After presenting the current challenges in Brazil, the panelists shared about the importance of partnerships between civil society and the NGO’s.

• They are closer to the communities and as such, closer to the concerning issues
• NGO’s are centers of renovation and creativity since they are less bureaucratic and flexible
• They are the link between the reality and the academic world
• There are more women in leadership in the third sector

Before opening for questions, they made a tribute to Mariele Franco, the activist who was killed a year ago, and her legacy as a women’s right defender. “She was a seed”. The panelists also mentioned the names of women and men who are persecuted for raising voices against injustices targeting minorities. Many activists have been forced to leave Brazil due to safety concerns.  

 

They finished with a touching video of Eva Luana, a young girl who was abused for 8 years by her stepfather. She decided to become an activist, raising awareness about women’s rights, feminism, gender-based violence and how this awareness has to reach the lower classes and those people who are far from the big cities.

What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?

As an organization which has a strong Women’s Ministries Department, The Salvation Army can use this group and corps spaces to empower women and girls to fight against gender-based violence. It is necessary to go further and search for groups that are already engaged in this fight against injustice and partner with them. The Salvation Army, as a recognized NGO, has the potential to reach people who are marginalized by other systems and needs to look for opportunities to do this.

Web links for more information

www.diplomaciacivil.org.br  - organizer group

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvrQmOIL8yo - Eva Luana`s story

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SlutWalk - one example of civil action

Tags: SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG4: Quality Education, SDG5: Gender Equality, SDG3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals