Municipalities in Brazil and Portugal launch initiatives to combat gender violence

In Araraquara, Brazil, the City Council has approved the creation of the ‘Selo Empresa Parceira da Mulher’ (Women's Partner Company Seal). This voluntary recognition aims to honor private companies, industries, and cooperatives that implement continuous actions to promote women's rights, gender equality, and the fight against domestic violence. To qualify, businesses must demonstrate specific initiatives such as professional qualification programs, internal protocols to support employees who are victims of violence, and policies against sexual and moral harassment. The seal is valid for two years and requires companies to have an operational presence in the city.

In Palmela, Portugal, the City Council is preparing to launch a specialized support service for victims of domestic and gender-based violence. Scheduled to begin in November, the service is a partnership with the Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV) and will feature a multidisciplinary team to provide personalized assistance. The initiative is funded by a €184,960 investment from the municipality and is expected to run until December 2028, aiming to provide a robust support network for victim protection and recovery.