The Casa da Mulher Brasileira (Brazilian Women's House) in Maceió will receive R$ 19 million from the federal government.
Alagoas has also joined the National Pact for the Prevention of Femicides and launched new policies.
247 - The Minister for Women, Cida Gonçalves, and the Governor of Alagoas, Paulo Dantas (MDB), formalized, this Thursday (20), the contract for the transfer of R$ 19 million for the construction of the Casa da Mulher Brasileira (CMB) in Maceió. The investment, which includes both the construction and equipping of the unit, was announced during an official ceremony in the state. The project already has a plot of land designated by the Alagoas government.
The Women's Women's Center (CMB) in Maceió will be the first in the state and will bring together various services for providing humane care to women in situations of violence, including a specialized police station, court, Public Defender's Office, Public Prosecutor's Office, psychosocial support, playroom, temporary accommodation, and a transportation hub. "I have been traveling the country mobilizing for zero femicide. Every 6 hours, a woman is a victim of femicide. And it is a preventable crime, because there are signs that are being given every hour," stated Minister Cida Gonçalves during the event.
Governor Paulo Dantas highlighted the priority the state gives to policies protecting women and thanked President Lula and Minister Cida for their commitment to the agenda. "In Alagoas, there is zero tolerance for crimes against women. We have intersectoral programs and we believe that the more women in politics, the more policies for women we will have," he declared.
In addition to signing the contract for the Casa da Mulher Brasileira (Brazilian Women's House), Alagoas has joined the National Pact for the Prevention of Femicides (PNPF), launched in 2024. With R$ 2,5 billion planned until 2026, the pact coordinates actions to combat misogyny, guarantee rights, and prevent violent deaths of women. "We need to join forces to promote cultural changes, strengthen public policies, and hold accountable those who insist on perpetuating violence," the minister emphasized.
The State Secretary for Women and Human Rights, Maria Silva, celebrated the arrival of the CMB (Brazilian Women's Commission) in Alagoas. "It will be a true refuge for them to rebuild their lives. We are moving towards a very important moment, where women will be respected, cared for, and have their autonomy," she emphasized. During the event, the State Plan for Women's Policies (PEPM 2024-2027) was also established, and the "Leave Her Alone" campaign against harassment and sexual assault was launched.
Brazilian Women's House: structure and expansion in Brazil
Created within the scope of the Women Living Without Violence Program, the Casa da Mulher Brasileira (Brazilian Women's House) seeks to guarantee comprehensive care for victims of gender-based violence. Currently, there are 10 units operating in the country, and another 27 are in the process of implementation. In 2024, the Ministry of Women invested R$ 389 million in actions to combat violence, allocating R$ 330 million for the expansion of the CMBs, R$ 19 million for referral centers, and R$ 16,8 million for strengthening the 180 Helpline.
Impacts of the Braskem tragedy and encounter with shellfish gatherers
Still in Alagoas, Minister Cida Gonçalves visited the Fishermen's Colony of Bebedouro, where she heard accounts from women affected by the environmental disaster caused by Braskem's rock salt mining. The sinking of entire neighborhoods in Maceió, which occurred in 2018, left more than 60 people homeless, according to the Unified Movement of Victims of Braskem (MUVB), and directly impacted the lives of fisherwomen and shellfish gatherers.
“We suffer various types of violence, and it’s not just physical violence, but also environmental racism, the pollution of our rivers and seas. It’s also harassment and femicide,” denounced Ana Paula Santos, from the Network of Women Fishers of the Coral Coast. The minister reinforced the federal government’s commitment to the victims: “We came to bring President Lula’s commitment and my responsibility to listen. I will do whatever is necessary to ensure that solutions happen quickly.”
Meeting with municipal managers and policymakers
This Friday (21), Cida Gonçalves participates in the Meeting with Municipal Managers of Policies for Women of Alagoas and the presentation of the Alagoas Por Elas program. The initiative, carried out in partnership with institutions such as the Geni Institute and Mapa do Acolhimento, seeks to strengthen municipal policies for the protection of women. The state, which has 102 municipalities, currently has 32 municipal secretariats focused on this agenda.