Brazil and the Philippines: Partners in advancing women’s rights

Every year during International Women’s Month, the global community pauses to reflect on the progress toward gender equality and the journey ahead. It is a time to celebrate women’s achievements, but also to confront uncomfortable realities. As President Lula recently emphasized, the question is not only how governments treat women, but also how societies, and men in particular, treat women in everyday life. For Brazil, promoting women’s rights and eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) are both domestic priorities and guiding principles of our international relations.

In recent years, Brazil has strengthened efforts to shield women from GBV. A cornerstone of this commitment is the Maria da Penha Law, born from a personal struggle against domestic violence and transformed into one of the world’s most comprehensive legal regimes to tackle household abuse. This is complemented by Brazil’s Feminicide Law, which codifies gender-motivated killings as specific and aggravated crime. These statutory frameworks are supported by robust public policies designed to offer immediate protection for women, including specialized police stations, expanded shelter networks, and integrated psychological and legal services. Such programs seek to guarantee that support is accessible and effective.

Prevention, however, goes beyond enforcement. Brazil has prioritized public awareness campaigns to dismantle the cultural roots of violence, alongside policies to expand women’s economic and social opportunities. Increasing access to employment, credit, education, and political participation remains central. By strengthening the Ministry of Women, the government ensures that gender equity stays at the heart of all public policy. From rural cooperatives to urban startups, our programs aim to expand opportunities.

Gender equality has also become a priority within Brazil’s diplomatic service. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (“Itamaraty”) has implemented policies and internal initiatives to increase the presence of women in the Brazilian Foreign Service, promoting greater representation in leadership and ambassadorial positions. Mentoring, professional development, and equal-opportunity measures aim to ensure that more women advance throughout the diplomatic career. Diversity strengthens diplomacy, bringing new perspectives to international dialogue and cooperation.

At the multilateral level, Brazil and the Philippines frequently find common ground in advancing women’s rights within the United Nations. Both countries support the principles of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the commitments of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 5 on achieving gender equality. In the UN General Assembly, our countries have advocated initiatives addressing the situation of women migrant workers and improving the conditions of women and girls in rural areas. In the UN Human Rights Council, we have consistently backed resolutions aimed at combating GBV, discrimination, and barriers to women’s participation in political and economic life. Both countries advocate for gender equality as a cross-cutting priority across global discussions on development, poverty reduction, and social inclusion, including efforts to strengthen women’s leadership and participation in peacebuilding and decision-making processes.

Brazil has also sought practical cooperation with partners in Southeast Asia. Within the Brazil-ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, Brazil has launched a cooperation project focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment through agricultural cooperativism. Currently in its early stages, the initiative seeks to strengthen the role of women in family farming, agricultural value chains, and rural cooperatives, drawing on Brazil’s experience supporting family agriculture. Brazil also applauds the Philippines’ priorities as ASEAN Chair, particularly the efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment, protect them from violence, and expand their leadership in decision-making.

The debate on women’s rights extends beyond policy and diplomacy. Culture and storytelling also help shape awareness and inspire change. In this spirit, the Embassy of Brazil and the Instituto Guimarães Rosa (IGR) – the official cultural institution of Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs – in partnership with Quezon City Government and QCinema, screened yesterday the documentary The First Ones. The film tells the story of the pioneers who formed Brazil’s first Women’s National Football Team and highlights the determination of athletes who helped transform women’s football across the country, paving the way for icons such as Marta.

Brazil’s firm commitment to women’s rights resonates strongly in the Philippines, a country that has produced remarkable women leaders and continues to play a significant role in advancing gender equality in Asia. Our countries share common interests in promoting women’s leadership, expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs, and strengthening protection against GBV. We foresee many opportunities for deeper cooperation, including exchanges of public policy experiences, partnerships between universities and research centers, and initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs.

During the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York this week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. beautifully captured the spirit that guides these efforts: “Because when women rise, societies rise with them. When women lead, nations move forward.”

International Women’s Month reminds us that the journey toward equality requires persistence, cooperation, and courage. Laws and policies are essential, but lasting change also depends on partnerships among governments, civil society, and communities. As developing nations, Brazil and the Philippines remain firmly committed to advancing this cause, guided by the conviction that societies flourish when women participate fully, safely and equally in all spheres of public life.

My staff and I would like to pay a heartfelt tribute to all Filipino women, whose strength, leadership, and contributions continue to inspire progress across this country and beyond.

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Gilberto F. G. de Moura is the Brazilian Ambassador to the Philippines, Palau, Marshall Islands and Micronesia.