Economic Empowerment and Public Care Policies Emerge as Key Strategies to Reduce Violence Against Women in Brazil

Brazil faces a persistent challenge with gender-based violence, illustrated by an increase in feminicides and domestic violence reports. In 2025, 1,568 feminicides were recorded—a 4.7% rise from 2024—and calls to the national helpline Ligue 180 surged 90.8% in the first seven months of 2026. These troubling statistics underscore the urgent need for innovative strategies beyond traditional protection measures.

A critical approach gaining prominence involves women's economic empowerment, including entrepreneurship and public care policies, as central elements in preventing violence against women. Research reveals that 57.3% of female entrepreneurs in Brazil are primary family providers, many driven by the need for financial independence from abusive partners. This economic autonomy is now recognized legally: Law nº 15.398/2026 includes promoting women’s economic participation and entrepreneurship within comprehensive violence prevention frameworks.

President Lula’s administration has shifted care responsibilities from the private domain to public policy, marking the first time care is a significant political priority. The National Care Policy (Law 15.069/2024) enshrines care as a collective right and responsibility shared across genders, families, and the state, aiming to alleviate the disproportionate care burden placed historically on women. Over 20 million Brazilian women engage in unpaid care work for 20 or more hours weekly, limiting their employment and educational opportunities. Lula’s government invests heavily in public childcare infrastructure with over 3,500 nurseries and schools planned, as well as expanded elderly care services within public frameworks.

This inclusive care policy contrasts with political opponents advocating minimal state involvement and reliance on market or familial solutions, which critics argue perpetuate the care inequalities women face.

Experts stress that female entrepreneurship and accessible public care services are vital but not standalone solutions. These strategies empower women economically, thus weakening a key factor that traps many in cycles of violence—financial dependency. Effective policy integration recognizes this interconnectedness to foster women’s autonomy and social protection simultaneously.

In sum, Brazil is advancing a multidimensional approach addressing violence against women by intertwining economic empowerment and public care policies. As articulated by advocates, "Economic autonomy is a fundamental element in breaking the cycle of violence," reinforcing the view that protecting women requires expanding their opportunities for independence and societal inclusion.