Brazil Launches National Protocol and Strengthens Initiatives to Combat Political Violence Against Women
Brazil is set to launch a national protocol to combat political violence against women, alongside initiatives to boost women's political representation ahead of the 2026 elections.
- • National Protocol to Combat Political Violence Against Women launching on March 25, 2026.
- • Since 2021, over 300 cases of political violence against women monitored by authorities.
- • Women hold only 18% of parliamentary seats despite constituting majority of electorate.
- • Ceará's seminar emphasized need for greater female political representation and solidarity.
- • Launch of Pacto contra o Feminicídio and new compilation of women's rights laws in Ceará.
Key details
On March 25, 2026, Brazil will officially launch the National Protocol for Combating Political Violence Against Women in Brasília. This key initiative represents a collaborative effort between the Electoral Public Ministry, the National Council of the Public Ministry, the Ministry of Women, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, the National Justice Council, and the Public Defender's Office of the Union. The protocol aims to enhance prevention mechanisms, ensure victim safety, and effectively punish aggressors ahead of the upcoming 2026 elections.
Since political gender violence became a crime in Brazil in 2021, the Electoral Public Ministry's Working Group has monitored over 300 cases involving physical, psychological, and institutional violence against women. Around 50 of these cases have already been referred for prosecution, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities are addressing this crime. Under the Electoral Code, perpetrators face one to four years of imprisonment, penalties which can increase depending on circumstances.
Complementing this national strategy, the Assembleia Legislativa do Estado do Ceará (Alece) recently held the "Farol Feminino: Mulheres Protagonistas" seminar to discuss increasing women's political representation and leadership. Deputy Larissa Gaspar, president of the Parliamentary Front Against Gender Political Violence, emphasized the urgent need to raise women's parliamentary representation, currently just 18% despite women comprising the majority of Brazil's population and electorate. She also announced the launch of the Pacto contra o Feminicídio in Ceará on March 30.
Speakers at the seminar, including Tainah Marinho Aldigueri and Socorro França, highlighted the importance of solidarity among women and reviewed historical challenges to women's political rights in Brazil, such as delayed suffrage and systemic barriers like male-dominated political party leadership and funding obstacles. Additionally, the event saw the release of "Legislação por Elas," a compilation of 92 laws aimed at advancing women's rights and protections in Ceará.
These coordinated efforts demonstrate Brazil's commitment to combating political violence against women and promoting their active and safe participation in political life, especially as the nation approaches the pivotal 2026 elections.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
