The laureates
Description
Enrica Duncan is an intersectional feminist activist from Brazil. She is a political scientist and a member of the Conflict Resolution, Development, and Peace Program at the United Nations University for Peace. Her advocacy for human rights began with civic engagement in the local Meu Rio project, before she became involved with the feminist organization NOSSAS. Since 2018, she has been dedicated to promoting women’s rights, with a particular focus on supporting survivors of gender-based violence. In 2017, she co-founded Mapa do Acolhimento, an organization that recruits and trains psychologists and lawyers to provide pro bono support to survivors of gender-based violence.
“Access to mental health care and the justice system prevents the perpetuation of violence against women.”
Enrica Duncan - 03/05/24
Can you introduce yourself ?
I am Enrica Duncan, an intersectional feminist activist from Brazil. [Note: : Intersectional feminism advocates for gender equality and social justice. It recognizes the various systems of oppression based on characteristics of social identity (race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, etc.).]. The Brazilian protest movements of 2013 convinced me of the importance of civic and social participation for Brazilian society. That is why, in 2014, I began my civic engagement with the local project Meu Rio. I later joined the feminist organization NOSSAS, and in 2018, I became involved with the feminist movement, specifically in supporting survivors of gender-based violence in Brazil. I had the opportunity to livre abroad, that allowed me to get a global vision on women's rights issues.
Can you describe your commitment as a human rights defender?
My commitment is based on two perspectives:
– The first is that the solutions we come up with must be collective. As an organization, we are merely a pawn in a game that is beyond our control, and in which it is important to have support.
– The second perspective is that, in order to change the existing system, it is necessary to change government structures. In Brazil, there are many health care institutions, but none specifically for survivors of gender-based violence.
Thus, as an organization, we implement solutions to address government shortcomings, but this is only possible through collaboration among different organizations. To ensure that our work has a lasting impact, it is necessary to build connections among Brazilian stakeholders.
In 2017, we founded Mapa do Acolhimento, an organization dedicated to women. The idea was to create a specific structure to reach a target audience. Mapa works, supported by collective action, to change the Brazilian system. Its work is essential and impacts the lives of thousands of Brazilian women, particularly in preventing the numerous femicides in Brazil.
Why did you decide to advocate for human rights?
I decided to get involved in promoting women’s rights because I wanted to gain a broader perspective than the regional issues with which I had first become involved. The issue of gender-based violence allowed me to gain that perspective, as it encompasses physical, psychological, financial, and domestic violence. This systemic violence is found in all sectors of society—particularly in the workplace and in education—but also affects the freedoms granted to women. Contrary to the prevailing view in Brazil, gender-based violence is not confined to these women’s homes; it is present throughout society. This violence is ignored, even though femicides could have been prevented if we had listened to them. These failures highlight the need to create initiatives to combat these situations. We must therefore change the perceptions of the government and society in order to change the system. It is a difficult goal, but a very motivating one, according to me.
What do you expect from the Marianne Initiative in terms of strengthening your project?
As part of my organization’s work, we offer a range of actions and solutions to help victims of gender-based violence. However, these solutions can become outdated or inappropriate, and we are constantly called upon to reevaluate them. My participation in the Marianne Initiative aims to reevaluate this range of solutions, our work, and to explore other possibilities. Through the Marianne Initiative, I would like to create a democratic governance system that would provide my organization with the space and opportunities to develop a new set of initiatives.
The Initiative also provides a forum for discussion with other awardees on various topics and approaches. This leads me to consider the feasibility of some of these approaches in Brazil. These personal connections are crucial and offer new perspectives for the development of my business.
Aussi, l’accueil en France pendant six mois nous amène à envisager la possibilité pour Mapa de devenir une organisation reconnue par le système français en développant une nouvelle structure en France, ce qui serait très enrichissant.
Quelles sont les activités que vous avez trouvées les plus utiles depuis le début du programme ?
From the first two months of the program, what stands out most to me is the visit to the Maison des Journalistes (MDJ). The MDJ team provides shelter to victims of violence and people in vulnerable situations, helping to build a community—which is different from my work with Mapa. In fact, Mapa does not provide physical shelter but only psychological and legal support.This visit was inspiring for me because it allowed me to see the diversity and perspectives of an organization focused on press freedom—my field of work before I became an activist. Visits like this help me put the workings of my own organization into perspective by comparing it with French organizations working on various issues that echo our own. It also helps me realize that we are not alone in our work on human rights and that there is a large network of stakeholders.
How do the activities of the Marianne Initiative program contribute to your commitment?
The activities of the Marianne Initiative program provide me with fundamental knowledge about the many existing solutions to the challenges I face in my advocacy work. Thanks to the training sessions offered, I have been able to identify similarities and differences between Brazilian and French organizations, particularly with regard to nonprofit management. In addition, the meetings I’ve had as part of the program—such as those with the Ambassador for Human Rights, Delphine Borione, and the Ambassador and Secretary-General of the Generation Equality Forum, Delphine O—will allow me to build a strong network.
I think the Marianne Initiative has a lot to offer in the field of human rights, and I want to make the most of it.
Generally speaking, for Mapa do Acolhimento, the program helps me feel confident about the soundness of our decisions, our connection to the reality on the ground, and the possibilities for taking further action.
What are your plans after the program ends?
After the program, I hope to return to Brazil to continue my work. I hope to leave with new resources, contacts, and information gained through the Marianne Initiative.
En quoi la Journée internationale pour les droits des femmes est une journée importante, selon vous ?
International Women’s Day, like the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence in November, are very important events. Indeed, they help highlight the root causes of existing problems in our society, the reasons behind our activism, and the solutions available. These are major international events that inspire and foster new momentum for engagement.
In France, abortion has just been enshrined in the Constitution, so this year’s observance of this Day is an opportunity to celebrate this victory. In many countries, such as Brazil, the right to abortion remains severely restricted and under threat.
These events are important occasions for activists, allowing them to come together and celebrate these achievements.
Would you like to add anything else ?
I truly want to congratulate France on enshrining abortion rights in the Constitution!
