Brazil's Federal District appoints new Women's Rights Council members

Governor Celina Leão signed a decree on Thursday, 25 June, inaugurating the new members of the Distrito Federal Women's Rights Council (CDM/DF) for the 2026‑2028 term. The council, a consultative and deliberative body linked to the Secretary of Women, now comprises 26 titular members—13 appointed by the government and 13 by civil society—representing quilombola, indigenous, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized groups.

Leão emphasized the council’s role in combating gender‑based violence, noting the recently released “Panorama da violência contra a mulher no Distrito Federal” study, which surveyed over 5,000 residents and interviewed incarcerated men convicted of femicide. The governor pledged to expand education and financial opportunities for women as part of the council’s agenda.

The council’s 26 alternate members bring the total to 52 representatives, selected through a public call that attracted 47 civil‑society organizations. The newly formed body is expected to advise on policies aimed at reducing violence, improving services, and promoting equality for women in the Federal District.