Brazil Advances in Combating Gender-Based Political Violence Through Law and Education

Brazil is intensifying efforts to tackle gender-based political violence against women through significant legal frameworks and educational initiatives. Gender-based political violence aims to silence and exclude women from political participation through physical, psychological, or symbolic aggression. The country’s legislative milestone came with Law 14.192/2021, enacted on August 4, 2021, which criminalizes such violence and adjusts electoral laws to protect women's political rights. This law defines and penalizes harassment, threats, and other discriminatory practices targeting women in politics, ensuring that while political criticism remains protected, gender cannot be used as a tool of exclusion.

A recent illustrative case in Tocantins revealed the law’s practical impact, where a female political leader faced gender-based attacks that led to her removal from a decision-making role, highlighting the persistence of systemic discrimination in politics.

Complementing the legal framework, educational efforts are underway through a course titled "Updating Electoral Process and Opportunities in Society Organization: Combating Violence Against Women in the Political-Electoral System." Scheduled from March 23 to 26, 2026, at the State University of Londrina, this event features lectures and scientific article presentations addressing violence as defined by Law 14.192/2021. The course includes an inaugural lecture by Leandre Dal Ponte, the State Secretary for Women, Racial Equality, and the Elderly, who will also launch her book "A Dona da Pensão." The initiative is led by the Maria da Penha Center (NUMAPE) with support from the General Superintendence of Science, Technology and Higher Education and aims to educate society and empower women against political discrimination.

This course is part of broader efforts to underscore the reality of gender discrimination in politics and provide legal and psychological support to women facing violence, encouraging their participation in democratic processes free from intimidation and exclusion.