To the sisters, the mines, the women in my life and in the lives of all of us - Monize Crepaldi

For as long as I can remember, I've been a feminist. The dimension of this condition and the call for women's fight for equality took a little longer to reach my life, but when it came, I didn't run away, I went, I remain and I will die in the movement.

I mainly advocate for women and the LGBT+ population in the Greater ABC region. Our law firm is a forerunner in serving this population, innovating in dealing with issues related to minorities. In this struggle, we team up with black female lawyers, who add other struggles to their objectives, such as the fight against racism, the recognition of black intellectuals and their African roots.

The scream is much stronger for these women. Through them, I understood that social reality only changes with the rise of black women, one of the teachings of Amarilis Costa, lawyer, activist and honored by me and Fernanda Darcie, my partner and companion in the daily struggle, with a mantle of admiration coming directly from Senegal (and bought in the Republic). Amarilis is one of the most important black activists and militants today and the mantle was a gift obtained in the neighborhood with the highest number of African immigrants in São Paulo.



It was also with these fighting women that I learned that African peoples, with signs, translate into their ritual fabrics, feelings, celebrations and sayings. All this conception leads to a unique form of expression, as exciting as the western one. It was from Africa that Brazil inherited colors and meanings.

Without much expectation, Fernanda and I signed up for the Avon Institute's online selection process, to be awarded one of the scholarships provided by the company, to participate in the 24th IBCCRIM Criminal Sciences Seminar. We didn't have the financial conditions to “pay” for the Seminar, so seeing our names written in the selection was a dream come true and I had the support of PEITA to wear an ideal. I went to the “Produce Like a Girl” Seminar and I didn't expect the dimension that this phrase would take at that moment.

Countless unknown women asked to take a picture with me, commenting that they loved the idea of ​​wearing a feeling, a scream inflated by all those female voices I encountered. At the event we met one of the women I deeply admire, Dr. Kenarik Boujikian. We asked to take a picture with her and that's when she told me: "I judge like a girl". She is a judge at the Court of Justice of the State of São Paulo and has a history of struggle and greatness that are widely recognized.



At the Seminar I also had the opportunity to meet Amelinha Teles, a militant during the Military Dictatorship, who was arrested with her husband and children (aged 4 and 5 at the time), who were used in torture. But this is only part of the story of this successful woman, who leads support and instruction groups for women, especially those who are subjected to violence. I got a picture with her and I cried with emotion.


It's impressive to wear an idea that emerged from a movement. We are all girls in different fights, but all fearless, tireless, so that all the girls who are about to be born live a reality in which they don't have to face issues already overcome by us and by past generations.
Every day I think I am an instrument in this fight so that no girl suffers from abusive relationships, receives lower wages, is a victim of physical aggression or other forms of violence to which women are subjected on a daily basis.

The combative posture is already a reality in my life, which I can no longer get rid of. If we want to be heard, our cry has to be powerful, we must occupy places never thought of and naturalize our images in them.
I am immensely grateful to the PEITA girls for their support and for the shared ideal, you are geniuses. Thanks. Forward.

Photos: Alice Vergueiro