HeForShe Brazil Launches Manifesto to Mobilize Men to End Gender-Based Violence

The National Manifesto for the Mobilization of Public Officials to End Violence Against Women is an initiative spearheaded by the HeForShe Movement in Brazil.

At its launch event in Brasília, over 80 men - including representatives from the judiciary, members of parliament, and leaders of federal agencies- signed a manifesto publicly committing to the advancement of gender equality. The event received support from the Ministries of Women; Development and Social Assistance; Family; and the Fight Against Hunger, under which Conab (National Supply Company) operates.

Edegar Pretto, CEO of Conab, highlighted the alarming statistics from the first five months of 2024, during which over 5,000 women in Brazil were killed in acts of femicide - killed simply because they were women.

“They were killed by men. And what do men usually do? They choose the most comfortable path. They remain silent, they don’t engage, they don’t change—and society continues to be unjust to women,” Pretto said.

Ana Carolina Querino, UN Women Brazil CO Interim Representative noted that 2024 marked the 10th anniversary of the HeForShe movement, celebrated with a high-level event at the UN General Assembly. She emphasized the critical role men must play in ending violence against women and girls.

“Men in positions of power and influence have a responsibility to promote women’s rights, to challenge institutional tolerance of violence, and to speak up - even when it’s just calling out a sexist joke from a colleague,” she stated.

Vice President Geraldo Alckmin added, 

“Standing for women’s rights does not only benefit women – it benefits all of society.  Progress comes through education and awareness, and we men have a duty to act in preventing these injustices.” 

He also emphasized that injustices committed against one individual are a threat to all.

“Men, let us join this movement so we can achieve justice for women,” he urged.

Minister of Women, Cida Gonçalves, cited recent research by the Ministry of Women and Netlab on how misogyny is being monetized on YouTube channels. She identified overcoming hatred against women as one of the country’s greatest challenges.

“That is why this initiative is so vital. In our Zero Femicide campaign, we’ve made it clear—this cannot be just a women’s issue.” 

Vieira stressed that creating a more respectful, peaceful, and just society begins with addressing the treatment of women.

As the movement in Brazil gains momentum, it sends a powerful message: the responsibility to end violence against women belongs to all of society—and change begins with collective action.

Read the original article on the ONU Mulheres Brasil website