Maria da Penha

Brazilian biopharmacist who revolutionized domestic violence laws

Maria da Penha Fernandes survived a 1983 assassination attempt by her husband that left her paralyzed, sparking a 20-year legal battle that changed Brazilian law. Her case reached the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, resulting in landmark legislation (Lei Maria da Penha in 2006) that established:

• Special domestic violence courts
• Protective measures for survivors
• Harsher penalties for aggressors

According to UN Women, the law reduced domestic violence mortality by 10% in its first decade. Maria's NGO Instituto Maria da Penha continues educating women about their legal rights, reaching over 500,000 people through workshops since 2009.