In the heart of one of Rio de Janeiro's beachside favelas, a group of young women gather in a martial arts studio to reclaim their sense of safety. Under the guidance of muay thai instructor Ana Paula Lima, they learn essential self-defense techniques like avoiding blows, protecting their heads during falls, and breaking free from an arm grab. "Women are vulnerable," Lima tells her students, "but we don't have to be helpless." Among the participants is Sabrina Fortunato, a 19-year-old law student who, like the other 30 women attending, is seeking ways to feel safer amid escalating violence against women in Brazil.
The free self-defense class, organized by the civil rights organization Instituto de Defesa da População Negra in collaboration with the city hall of Rio, comes in response to a troubling rise in gender-based violence that has dominated headlines across the nation. "I'm looking for a way of feeling more physically safe," Fortunato shares, reflecting the sentiment of many women who feel increasingly threatened in their own country. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Shocking Statistics Reveal Alarming Trends
Gender-based violence has reached staggering levels in Brazil, according to a 2025 survey that revealed 37.5% of women reported experiencing some form of violence in the past year, including verbal and physical abuse, sexual violence, and stalking. This marks a significant increase from the 28.6% reported in a similar survey eight years prior. The situation is even more dire when considering femicides, which surged by 14.5% over the last five years, resulting in 1,568 cases in 2025 alone. Disturbingly, in 16 of Brazil's 27 states, 13% of femicide victims had restraining orders against their killers.
In the wake of these statistics, women across Brazil have mobilized for nationwide protests, condemning the rise in violence and the state's inadequate response, despite the existence of laws like the 2006 Maria da Penha Law aimed at combating domestic violence. Yet, as public outcry grows, many women are also taking matters into their own hands, turning to self-defense sports as a means of empowerment.
A Shift Towards Empowerment through Self-Defense
"Back in 2019, there weren't many initiatives focused on self-defense as a tool for prevention and empowerment," says Ărica Paes, a former MMA athlete who founded the program Empoderadas. This state-wide initiative in Rio offers self-defense classes alongside legal and psychological support for survivors of domestic violence. Since its inception seven years ago, the program has assisted around 35,000 women, highlighting a growing demand for such resources.
A recent market survey indicates that six in every ten Brazilian women either practice or express interest in combat sports, with many citing self-protection as a primary motivation. Mariana Rocha, a 38-year-old nutritionist who began jiujitsu last year, notes that the training has dramatically shifted her awareness and confidence. "Jiujitsu teaches you to walk differently, to pay attention to things," Rocha explains, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for potential dangers.
Challenging Misogyny and Societal Norms
Underlying the surge in violence is the influence of misogynistic online communities, often referred to as the manosphere. Samira Bueno, executive director of the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety, highlights the alarming trend of young men being radicalized by these communities. In one instance, an 18-year-old gang-rape suspect surrendered to police while wearing a shirt emblazoned with "Regret Nothing," a phrase popularized by misogynistic influencer Andrew Tate.
Adding to the societal outrage, a TikTok trend emerged just before International Women's Day, with men recording themselves making violent gestures while simulating marriage proposals, captioned "Training in case she says no." This disturbing trend prompted police investigations and swift actions from TikTok to remove the offending content. In response to the pervasive misogyny, Brazil's Senate passed a bill in March 2023 to classify misogyny as a hate crime, although it still awaits approval from the lower house.
Despite these legislative efforts, many believe that enforcement remains a significant challenge. Milane Lobato, a muay thai teacher and domestic violence survivor, underscores the gap between legislation and its implementation. "The law exists, but it's not enforced," she states, reflecting the frustrations that drive women to seek self-defense training.
As the threat of violence looms large in Brazil, women are not just waiting for societal change; they are taking proactive steps to reclaim their safety and confidence. Through self-defense classes, they are learning to fight back, both physically and symbolically, against a culture that has too often left them feeling vulnerable.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.