Woman of the Week: Adriana Reis

“My project is committed to bringing transformations that give visibility, voice and empowerment to Brazilian girls and women.”

Woman of the Week: Adriana Reis

Beauty Entrepreneur, Brazil

“Education is the best solution to address domestic violence. As a teacher I can educate boys and girls to work in a new society based on gender respect. My project is committed to bringing transformations that give visibility, voice and empowerment to Brazilian girls and women.”

Adriana has made it her mission to change women’s lives – starting with educating her students.

Through poetry, short stories and music, she encourages critical debates in the classroom, which focus on sexism and femicide.

She has also taken these important discussions and debates outside of the school, and is focusing on transforming attitudes across her home city.

She wants to see the 8,000 people living there fiercely supporting women’s rights so, on 8 March 2019, Adriana and 300 students organised and took part in a March for Women. They used posters, placards and other signage to attract the attention of local people. At first, onlookers thought they were witnessing a celebration, but they soon realised that it was actually an important demonstration against rising domestic violence and femicide crimes across Brazil.

With rates of domestic violence continuing to rise during the social distance and isolation measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Adriana’s message resonates particularly strongly.

Avon and the Avon Foundation’s Isolated Not Alone campaign aims to raise awareness of this important issue, equip Representatives with information to signpost services to survivors of domestic violence and to call on governments to keep at-risk women and children front of mind during the coronavirus pandemic.