Brazil sees rising femicide deaths and renewed attacks on women's political rights

Data released by the Fórum Brasileiro de Segurança Pública shows that 1,571 Brazilian women were murdered in femicide incidents in 2025, a 4 % increase over the previous year and averaging four deaths per day. About 96 % of the killings were committed by current or former partners, with many occurring at home. The report highlighted three recent cases in Belo Horizonte, including the killing of police captain Michele Leão Azevedo by her husband.

Women make up roughly 53 % of Brazil’s electorate but continue to face hostile rhetoric, such as digital influencer Paulo Figueiredo’s claim that women vote poorly and follow their husbands. They remain under‑represented in political office – holding only 91 of the 513 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and fewer than 20 % of Senate seats – underscoring the ongoing struggle for gender‑equal political participation.