In an effort to ensure women's safety during Carnival in Maranhão, Brazil, the State Women's Secretariat (Semu) has initiated the campaign "If she asked to stop, it stopped!". This campaign includes educational actions aimed at combating violence against women in official carnival circuits and in areas with high foot traffic. The campaign emphasizes a clear and essential rule: any request made by a woman to cease any form of touching or unwanted behavior must be respected immediately. This proactive approach is designed to prevent violence before it occurs, encouraging a culture of respect and awareness during the festivities.

The initiative is particularly important considering the increase in gender-based violence during large festive events where there is a high concentration of people. Rhayna, a representative from the Women's Secretariat, underscored the strategic nature of Semu's presence during this period, which is critical for raising awareness and promoting essential information about women's rights and safety. By reinforcing the message that consent must be respected at all times, the campaign aims to change behaviors and attitudes that perpetuate violence against women.

Overall, the campaign contributes to a broader movement to foster a safer environment for women not only during Carnival but in all social settings. By directly addressing the issue of unwanted behavior and aiming to educate the public, the initiative seeks to instill a strong message about respect and responsibility among all participants in the Carnival celebration. The implications of this campaign may lead to significant changes in how women's safety is perceived and upheld in festive contexts across Brazil.