As of 2020, Brazil still had an average gender gap of approximately 31 percent…meaning women are 31 percent less likely to have the same opportunities as men. However, it is a country where a woman, Dilma Rousseff, was President in 2011. Since 2019, Brazil’s new president has cut down on funding to support women, which has increased gender disparities. Today Brazil is ranked 92 out of 153 in gender gap scores according to the World Economic Forum, but Brazil continues to strive towards gender equality and is doing so with the help of these powerful women.

**Marta Vieira da Silva**

**professional soccer player**
PHOTO: GETTY

Marta is deemed to be the greatest women's soccer player. She grew up in Dois Riachos, Brazil, in a poor family where she would make a soccer ball out of tied up grocery bags. Her brothers and other boys refused to play soccer with her. She then joined a local boys team, where she was scouted at 14 years old and moved to Rio de Janeiro. Marta is now a worldwide soccer legend, she is a six time Women’s World Player of the Year and holds the most goals scored for Brazil International Team between men and women. In 2018, Marta was appointed as the United Nations Women goodwill ambassador for women and girls in sports. Marta advocates for women’s empowerment, gender equality, altering stereotypes, and overcoming struggles and limitations. She currently plays for Orlando Pride and Brazil’s national women’s soccer team. Marta is a role model for girls across the world and is dedicated to helping girls achieve their dreams.

“ I believe this is time of the woman. We understand how strong we are; united we are even stronger.”

— Maria Da Penha

Maria is now 76 years old, but is one of the most influential women involved in changing Brazil’s laws protecting women. Maria da Penha is a victim of domestic abuse. She and her children were abused by her former husband, Marcos Antonio Heredia Viveros. Marcos shot Maria while she was sleeping, leaving her to be paraplegic. In court, her former husband made up a story and Maria returned to their house where he then tried to electrocute her. Marcos was tried in court and found guilty twice, but walked away. Maria fought for 19 years to get her ex-husband convicted. In 2002, when he was sentenced to eight years of prison, he got out after one year. Maria started advocating for changing laws regarding domestic abusers. On September 22, 2006, the Maria da Penha law was implemented. The law created a 24 hour shelter for victims, judicial courts specific to domestic abuse convicts, and increased punishment for abusers. Since the Maria da Penha Law more victims have spoken up and Maria now is traveling the world sharing her story.

**Gisele Bündchen**

**supermodel, businesswoman, author, philanthropist, and activist.**
**PHOTO: Vogue**

Gisele was discovered by a modeling agency at a mall in Brazil when she was 14 years old. A year after, Gisele moved to New York City and began her modeling career. Gisele got her break at 17 modeling for Alexander McQueen. Gisele is now 40 years old and is one of the most iconic women in the world. She is known for her modeling career at Victoria Secret’s and various designer brands. She has been featured on Vogue, Rolling Stone, and many notable magazines. For the last 14 years, Gisele Bündchen has been the highest paid model in the world. Gisele has many fashion lines: specifically in lingerie, clothing, and environmentally friendly skin care products. Further, Gisele advocates for our environment and climate change. She serves as goodwill ambassador to the United Nations Environment Program and encourages the fashion world to realize the impact fashion has on the environment. In 2018, Gisele published Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life, in which she talks about her life.Gisele now continues her journey as a mother, businesswoman, and activist.

Women's History Month: Inspiring Brazilian Women Who Are Breaking Barriers