Maria da Penha Machado de Cavalcante

Brilliant Brazilian pharmacologist whose activism led to landmark domestic violence legislation that became a global human rights model

Dr. Maria da Penha (born 1944) is a pharmacist and human rights advocate whose personal tragedy inspired Brazil's pioneering domestic violence laws. After surviving two attempted murders by her husband in 1983, she spent 20 years campaigning for legal reforms. Her case became the basis for Law 11340/2006, known as the Maria da Penha Law, which established specialized courts and protection measures still emulated worldwide.

As a professor at Universidade Federal do Ceará, she combined scientific research with activism, authoring over 50 papers on pharmacology and violence prevention. Her work influenced the UN's HeForShe campaign and inspired similar legislation in 15+ countries. The documentary The Courage of Maria da Penha chronicles her journey.