Brazil Sees Nationwide Protests Over Surge in Femicides and Gender Violence

Overview

• Marches were held on Dec. 7 in at least 20 states and the Federal District, including a large rally at Brasília’s Torre de TV.
• The Ministry of Women reports more than 1,180 femicides in 2025 and nearly 3,000 daily calls to the Ligue 180 hotline.
• Justice Ministry figures point to an average daily toll of roughly four femicides, seven homicides of women and 196 rapes.
• Outrage grew after recent cases, including the confessed killing of Army corporal Maria de Lourdes in Brasília, the mutilation of Tainara Souza Santos in São Paulo and the workplace murders of two CEFET-RJ employees.
• Critics cite a male-dominated judiciary and disputed releases of suspects, with research indicating higher conviction rates when cases are heard by female judges, while President Lula called for a nationwide mobilization against gender violence.