Women's Reality in Brazil

By Alexa C. DeLeon

The discussion about women’s reality in Brazil captivated me during class and stood out as one of my favorite lectures while in Salvador. The difficulties women face can be challenging, but can you imagine the impact of intersecting identities on women, the violence women must endure, and the underrepresentation of black women in normalized job sectors?

During class we discussed the struggles black women must endure in Brazil. We Black Women Have to Kill a Lion Everyday a reading for class defined the concept of intersectionality as being used to analyze and understand how multiple forms of identity and oppression interact to shape life experiences of marginalized groups. Grasping the daily struggles these women face is essential for fostering understanding and empathy. Recognizing that white women have greater advantages than black women underscore the urgency of addressing these disparities.

 In Salvador, the lecture with Professor Clarice helped me understand the brutal reality black women experience. She mentioned how one of her black friends was a professor and she was questioned several times as it was surprising to be a black woman with a job in education. I specifically remember hearing how she was often confused as a cleaning lady because those are the type of jobs suited for black Afro-Brazilian women. 

The students with Clarice Mota, professor at the Federal University of Bahia.

During my time in Salvador, I became very observant of who occupied specific jobs. What stood out to me was that my host sister, a white Brazilian, worked from home as an architect, while the helper who cooked and cleaned the apartment was of darker complexion. Although my host family treated her with respect, the division of labor based on skin color is very common in Brazil. On the streets, the people selling food, beverages, or clothes were often Afro-Brazilians.
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The struggles faced by black Brazilian women were further highlighted during our discussion on women's reality and the Lei Maria da Penha in Brazil. The speaker explained how Maria da Penha became an inspiration to many women due to her status. This law is a powerful example, demonstrating that anyone can seek help regardless of race or social status. Our class also explored the correlation between race and social status, noting that Afro-Brazilians are often part of the lower class in “Race and Cultural Politics in Bahia.” Since Maria da Penha serves as an example for women to speak up, it is crucial for women to understand that their marginalized identities should not prevent them from attaining justice, especially concerning violence against women.

Students with a major of the Bahia Police Department and Security Secretary Official discussing violence against women in Bahia.

Violence against women was a topic that deeply resonated with me. As a woman, it was alarming to realize that I could be an easy target in Brazil simply because of my gender. Hearing about the challenges women face in class, observing the roles of women in Salvador, and experiencing these realities firsthand, I have become acutely aware of how one's identity as a woman, especially as an Afro-Brazilian woman, can be both a burden and a catalyst for change. Afro-Brazilian women endure the most due to their intersecting identities, yet they are also the ones who break stigmas and fight for a more just world.

Overall, the class prepared me well to understand the harsh reality faced by black Brazilian women. My time in Salvador further emphasized the need for advocacy for Afro-Brazilian women and the pursuit of a more just society. Reflecting on our class discussions and readings, understanding structural racism was crucial for comprehending the struggles women of color endure and fostering greater empathy for them. Violence against black women is not limited to physical harm; it also includes their lack of access to the same opportunities and resources as men and other women. One key takeaway from this experience is that discussing the systemic issues affecting specific groups can help raise awareness and drive the necessary changes.


Sources:
Carillo, Ian. “Racialized Organizations and Color-Blind Racial Ideology in Brazil.” Sociology of Race and ethnicity 7, 1 (2021).

Hogan, Vijaya K., Edna M. de Araujo, Kia L. Caldwell, Sarah N. Gonzalez-Nahm, and Kristin Z. Black. “‘We Black Women Have to Kill a Lion Everyday’: An Intersectional Analysis of Racism and Social Determinants of Health in Brazil.” Social Science & Medicine, The role of Racism in Health Inequalities: Integrating Approaches from Across Disciplines, 199 (February 1, 2018): 96–105

Lecture on “Women’s reality and Lei Maria da Penha in Brazil” (May 24, 2024).

Lecture about Racism and Health in Brazil with Prof. Clarice Mota (May 24,2024).

Pinho, Osmundo. “Race and Cultural Politics in Bahia.” In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Latin American History (2020). 

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Alexa DeLeon is a sophomore at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, hoping to purse a major in political science, with a concentration in pre-law. She is originally from Cicero, Illinois. Alexa enjoys learning about underrepresented communities in the realm of policy issues and likes to be an advocate for inclusion for marginalized communities. Something fun about Alexa is that she has seven dogs, 3 males and 4 females. 

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