CEPIA expresses its regret for the death of Nilcea Freire who, throughout her life, acted with great commitment and competence in strengthening human rights in Brazil. Nilcea was the dean of UERJ (State University of Rio de Janeiro), when she played a key role in implementing the quota law. During Lula’s government, she was Minister of Women, developing public policies against violence at the Women’s Affair Secretariat (SPM), such as the National Pact to Fight Violence, Call 180, the Maria da Penha Law and various other policies for women’s rights. As a representative of the Ford Foundation in Brazil, she kept her commitment to human rights, gender equality and social justice.
We regret the loss of this feminist and celebrate her commitment to human dignity, respect, diversity and democratic principles and values.
