During a recent appearance on the program Sem Censura, First Lady Janja da Silva disclosed that she has experienced sexual harassment twice while carrying out her duties as the first lady of Brazil under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Janja expressed frustration regarding the lack of safety for women, sharing that even with security measures in place, such as a dedicated team and surveillance, she still faced harassment in environments she believed to be safe. Her experience highlighted a troubling reality that many Brazilian women face on a daily basis.

The discussion took place in the context of rising concerns about violence against women in Brazil, specifically pointing towards an increase in cases of feminicide. Janja highlighted the stark contrast between her privileged position and the reality for average women, emphasizing that if she could be targeted despite extensive security, the dangers are significantly heightened for others, particularly those in vulnerable situations. This stark observation aims to shed light on the urgent need for societal change and enhanced protections for women nationwide.

By bringing personal experiences into the public discourse, Janja seeks to engender a broader dialog about women's safety and support for victims of violence. These remarks not only underscore her personal challenges but also resonate with a growing movement calling for heightened awareness and legislative measures to protect women from violence and harassment. Janja's statements serve as a call to address these pressing societal issues that continue to plague Brazil and its women.