Attention to Women

Today we had interviews with CEDIM (State Council for Women's Rights) and CIAM (Integrated Center for Female Care). The Black movement in Brazil started getting stronger in the 1990s and created a space for health issues. For example, sickle cell anemia affects mostly Blacks. Black women are working to get the local government of Rio de Janeiro to make a health program tailored for Black women.

In the 1980's the Black Movement held a number of demonstrations on the street. This was the most effective method of gaining rights. This led to the creation of counsels for Black women’s rights and the police station for women who are victims of domestic violence. (The police stations are not just for Black women, but mostly Black women go to them).

Women who are attacked or discriminated against can go to CEDIM and CIAM for help. The women can be directed to partners who will assist them in finding shelter or with their health needs. There is no referral fee. The service is a right because the women pay taxes.

The last place we visited was a police station especially for women. The idea behind the police station is to provide services to women who have been through domestic violence, have been raped, attacked or discriminated against. The police station offered psychological services and legal assistance. There was a small cell at the end of the hallway. Although this women's police station is not specifically for Black women we were told that they serve a large number of Afro-Brazilian women. One thing that we noticed is that in the childcare area, we only saw white dolls. This is another demonstration of the preference for whiteness that is prevalent in Brazil.