The mother of an 18-year-old femicide victim expresses the profound grief experienced by her family amid a rising trend of violence against women in Brazil.
On International Women's Day, March 8, 2026, a stark reality emerges regarding the growing violence faced by women in Brazil. In a recent tragic case, Dhandara Kellen Ferreira was found dead in a bush in Divinópolis, illustrating the many families grappling with the aftermath of femicide. The event serves not only as a remembrance but highlights pressing concerns about safety and rights for women in the country.
The statistics related to violence against women in Brazil present a chilling narrative; in 2025, the nation recorded its highest rate of violence against women, including four femicides occurring daily alongside ten attempted murders every 24 hours. These figures have shocked communities across the country and emphasize the need for immediate action to address these issues. Divinópolis has not been spared from this rising trend, with a remarkable 300% increase in completed femicides noted from 2019 to 2025, according to the State Justice and Public Safety Secretariat.
As families like Dhandara's continue to suffer the devastating impact of such violence, it becomes increasingly important for society to confront and discuss these harsh realities. This moment calls for not only acknowledgment of the lives lost but a concerted effort to improve the safety and rights of women in Brazil, ultimately fostering a cultural shift towards respect and equality. In doing so, International Women's Day 2026 serves as a reminder of the dire circumstances that still need addressing, rather than merely a celebration of achievements.
