Congress Highlights Urgent Need to Combat Violence Against Black and Indigenous Women in Brazil

On March 25, the Permanent Mixed Commission for Combating Violence Against Women held a public hearing that brought to light alarming statistics and urgent calls to action regarding violence against Black and Indigenous women in Brazil. Experts and lawmakers underscored the critical need for national awareness campaigns to address the escalating issue of feminicides and systemic violence.

Wania Sant’Anna, president of the Brazilian Institute of Social and Economic Analysis (Ibase), condemned Brazil’s failure in protecting women, asserting that "living without violence is a fundamental right for women" and urging for a comprehensive campaign across public spaces and media outlets. Deputy Luizianne Lins, who requested the debate, emphasized the existing federal pact between the judiciary, executive, and legislative branches as a foundation to promote a national campaign across various platforms.

Data presented at the hearing revealed severe underreporting of violence against women, particularly among Black women. According to the 2025 Visible and Invisible survey by the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety, over 47% of Black women do not seek help after experiencing violence, largely due to racism and fear of re-victimization within public services. The situation is even more dire for Indigenous women, who have seen a 258% increase in violence from 2014 to 2023, including a staggering 227% rise in sexual violence against girls under 14 during the same period.

These statistics highlight the intersection of racial discrimination and gender-based violence, illuminating the need for tailored policies and proactive community engagement to protect vulnerable populations. The debate concluded with a call to unite governmental branches and civil society in a sustained effort to combat these violences and uphold the rights of Black and Indigenous women across Brazil.