Brazil's August Lilás Campaign Launches Nationwide Efforts Against Violence Toward Women

Municipal authorities in Brazil have begun a coordinated rollout of the August Lilás campaign, aimed at preventing violence against women. In Campo Grande, the city government inaugurated the program on 7 August 2026, marking the 20th anniversary of the Maria da Penha Law. Mayor Adriane Lopes highlighted initiatives such as the CG Delas program, which expands economic and professional support for women, and the Meninos e Meninas Fortes project that educates 200 schoolchildren on respect and equality. The launch event was held at the Paço Municipal auditorium and featured statements from Secretary‑Executive of Women Angélica Fontanari.

In São José do Cedro, the local social assistance center organized a public lecture on 22 August 2026 titled “Costurando Sentimentos: Autoestima, Direitos e Enfrentamento à Violência contra a Mulher.” The session, led by lawyer Sandra Fagundes of Caminhos para a Igualdade, aimed to raise community awareness, strengthen support networks, and provide information on identifying and reporting abuse.

A joint meeting on 3 August 2026 at the Cesmac Faculdade do Sertão brought together officials from health and justice sectors to discuss both the Lilás and the parallel “Agosto Dourado” breastfeeding campaign. Speakers included attorney Angela Maria Gomes and health professionals Janayna Rocha and Aline da Costa Fernandes, underscoring the municipal strategy of addressing gender‑based violence and maternal health together.