Brazil Advances Legislative and Advocacy Efforts to Combat Political Violence Against Women in 2026

In 2026, Brazil is intensifying efforts to address violence against women, particularly political violence, through both legislative initiatives and awareness campaigns. Senator Paulo Paim of the Workers' Party (PT-RS) introduced a bill (PL 1025/2026) aimed at establishing the National Policy to Combat Violence Against Women as law. This legislation seeks to legitimize existing measures and ensure their continuity regardless of changes in political leadership. It plans to strengthen support networks by creating mobile units to assist female victims and expanding the Casa da Mulher Brasileira, which provides a range of humane services for women facing aggression. Senator Paim highlighted the urgency of this proposal in light of Brazil's troubling feminicide rates, noting that in 2025, 1,568 feminicides were reported—a 4.7% increase over the previous year. The bill also proposes measures to combat structural machismo, enhance data sharing to reduce risks, and expedite protective legal actions and trials involving crimes against women.

Parallel to these legislative efforts, advocacy groups continue to raise awareness about the challenges women face in political participation. On March 13, Manoela Alves, treasurer director of the Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil – Seccional Pernambuco (OAB-PE), participated in a workshop titled "Mulheres na Política: desafios, direitos e enfrentamento," organized by OAB Gravatá in commemoration of National Day of Marielle Franco. The workshop focused on political violence against women and racial issues, discussing the obstacles women encounter in political leadership and representation. Alves stressed the importance of recognizing political violence, noting many women are unaware they are victims, which limits their political engagement. She emphasized, "We are more than 50% of the population and need to occupy these spaces," underlining the importance of gender equality and combating political violence.

Together, these legislative and advocacy efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing violence against women in Brazil’s political sphere, aiming to both protect victims and encourage wider female political participation.