Maria da Penha Ernandes

A Brazilian activist whose suffering from domestic violence led to landmark legislation against gender-based violence.

Maria da Penha Ernandes (born 1945) is a Brazilian human rights activist whose life was profoundly altered by domestic violence. Her relentless advocacy led to the creation of the Maria da Penha Law, a groundbreaking legal framework in Brazil that criminalizes domestic violence and establishes protocols for its investigation and prosecution. This law, enacted in 2006, marked a pivotal shift in Brazil’s approach to gender-based violence and inspired similar legislation globally. Born in Ceará, Brazil, Maria faced severe abuse from her husband, including attempted murder in 1983. Her survival and subsequent legal battle, which spanned decades, highlighted systemic failures in addressing domestic violence. Her case became a symbol of resilience, and her collaboration with legal experts and NGOs culminated in the law named after her. Maria’s work has been internationally recognized, and she continues to advocate for women’s rights through her organization, the Maria da Penha Institute. Her story exemplifies how individual suffering can catalyze systemic change, making her a pivotal figure in global gender justice movements.