1. Discrimination: Women Human Rights

2. The 1988 Constitution introduced equal rights for women in Brazil. However, although discrimination is now illegal, women still remain disadvantaged in society both socially and economically. The importance of the Catholic Church has influenced the importance of the role of ‘wife’ and ‘mother’. They suffer in 2 main ways: –Violence –Employment

3. Violence – facts High rate of domestic violence because of the historically ‘macho’ culture. 1 in every 5 women has been the victim of some kind of violence by a man. Every 15 seconds (4 every minute) a woman is a victim of violence in Brazil. In 2001, 350,000 cases of domestic abuse were reported in Sao Paulo. However, only 2000 men were convicted and sentenced.

4. Women’s Police Stations The first ‘women only’ police station was set up in 1985 in Sao Paulo. They investigate gender specific crimes. This encourages more women to report cases of abuse and violence because the female police officers can identify with gender problems. Women victims felt that male police officers dismissed their reports and did not give them the attention or respect they deserved.

5. Women’s Police Stations However, the government has not provided these police stations with resources or training so they cannot do their jobs properly. Some do not even have telephones!!! In 2002, 200 lawyers were hired in Sao Paulo to provide legal advice to women who suffer domestic abuse.

6. Battered Women’s Shelters When women face serious risks to their lives, they are sent to battered women’s shelters. They can usually take their children with them. However, there are only 12 shelters in the whole of Brazil and there are thousands of domestic violence victims.

7. What’s being done to help? ActionHowever …. Women’s only police stations now in most major towns and cities. Female victims in rural (countryside) areas feel helpless as there are no police officers trained to deal with this type of crime. Change in the law, so that ‘honour’ can no longer be used as an excuse for abusing women. Some courts are still unwilling to charge suspects. Judges tend to be male and suspects are unlikely to be brought to trial. Voluntary groups exist in most major towns and cities. They play a vital role in supporting female victims. Much of the violence still goes unreported or ignored. For example, women are routinely tortured in prison.

8. Employment 1988 Constitution says that men and women should be treated equally at work. It also states that women are entitled to 120 days paid maternity leave. But, the government does little to enforce the laws on discrimination.

9. Women earn just over 50% of what men earn. In Sao Paulo, a starting salary for women is £510 compared to £780 for men. To prevent having to pay wages to women on maternity leave, some employers do not hire women of child-bearing age. Some even ask for certificates to show they cannot have babies!!! In 1995, a law was passed making it illegal for employers to demand sterilisation certificates or pregnancy tests.

10. Task… Complete the questions on page 148 of your booklet. Use your notes and the booklet to find the answers.