Despite the forecast of rain, according to the Military Police, around 15,000 people gathered along Avenida Paulista, in São Paulo, Brazil, on August 26, 2023, for a march to raise awareness and combat obstetric violence. The initiative is part of the Quebrando o Silêncio (“Breaking the Silence”) project, promoted annually by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South America.
The action involved Adventists from all over the state of São Paulo. Promoted by the Women's Ministries Department of the Central Brazil Union (UCB), it also included the participation of the children's group Turma do Nosso Amiguinho (“Our Little Friend's Class”), a fanfare performance by the Pathfinders, the distribution of magazines and pamphlets explaining abuse and mistreatment in maternity, as well as the presence of civil and church leaders.
The almost one-kilometer route began near the Trianon Masp subway station and ended at the TV Gazeta station.
Awareness and Support
Coordinated by Professor Telma Brenha, director of the Ministry of Women's Affairs for the state of São Paulo, the march was intended to raise public awareness of "(A)normal Childbirth," the theme of this 21st edition of the project, which, each year, works on a subject aimed at combating the violence that affects the most vulnerable groups in society, such as women, children, and the elderly. The overall aim of the project is to make it clear that every cycle of violence needs to be broken, as well as give victims support and a voice.
In Brazil, according to research by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), obstetric violence affects 36 percent of women, whether in the public or private sector. Another survey, by the Perseu Abramo Foundation, shows that one in four women has suffered some kind of violence in the maternity ward.
According to Brenha, obstetric violence is a sensitive subject that is also little discussed. "This issue is important because we need to make people aware of the existence of this type of violence, which often occurs in a veiled way, as well as informing them that women have rights that need to be respected. We chose Avenida Paulista for this action because this is the heart of São Paulo and we can reach more people," says the professor.
This was the second time that Avenida Paulista became the stage for the anti-violence actions promoted on behalf of the project. In 2022, Quebrando o Silêncio tackled the issue of psychological violence and brought together 10,000 people in the same place.
Fourth Saturday in August
In October 2019, Breaking the Silence Campaign Day entered the official calendar of the State of São Paulo by Law 17.186/2019, which established the last Saturday in August as the day dedicated to celebrating the project.
Quebrando o Silêncio is an initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, promoted since 2002 in eight South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay). The project is carried out throughout the year, but one of its main actions always takes place on the fourth Saturday in August, with social awareness actions to reinforce the importance of reporting acts of abuse and aggression.
São Paulo State Tour
See how some of the Quebrando o Silêncio actions were carried out throughout São Paulo:
Southwest São Paulo Conference (APSo)
In the southwest region of the state, Adventists got involved in Quebrando o Silêncio. As well as marches, there was a discussion forum on obstetric violence with health and legal professionals. In Hortolândia, on Sunday, August 27, the fourth edition of the race for awareness in support of the project brought together more than 300 people.
São Paulo Conference (AP)
In Ibiúna, around 500 people took to the streets. Most of the town's 80,000 inhabitants live in rural areas. The aim of the march was to educate these residents about women's rights in maternity.
South São Paulo Conference (APS)
In the southern region, Adventists were involved in various activities. There was fanfare and the distribution of magazines and leaflets about the project, as well as the determined publicizing of channels reporting on women who have been and are victims of obstetric violence.
East São Paulo Conference (APL)
In Cajamar, hundreds of people took part in a march organized by the Adventist Church, with the support of the local town hall. At the end of the route, participants gathered to attend a special service and talks by health professionals and community leaders.
Southeast São Paulo Conference (APSe)
In the southeast region, many churches also took to the streets to promote Quebrando o Silêncio. In Diadema, the march lasted an hour and ended in the city's central square, where a stage was set up. The action also included the participation of Pathfinders and Adventurers.
São Paulo Valley Conference (APV)
It was no different in the Paraíba Valley region. Volunteers from the territory's 280 Adventist congregations distributed magazines and pamphlets on city streets and in local shops. For the residents of the territory, a mini-documentary was produced to raise awareness (watch it here).
Central São Paulo Conference (APaC)
The project's actions were highlighted in the local media in the central region of the state, with live broadcasts on Jovem Pan radio. The Rio Claro Adventist Church, with the support of Women's Ministries, also took part in a radio interview and invited people to get to know Quebrando o Silêncio.
West São Paulo Conference (APO)
In Presidente Prudente, in western São Paulo, a Basic Health Unit (UBS) helped to promote Quebrando o Silêncio. Pregnant and postpartum women (women who have recently given birth) attended a talk on obstetric violence. While listening to the information, one of the participants discovered that she had experienced violence during childbirth and shared her experience. She also said that after learning from the lecture, she would not allow herself to go through it again. At the end of the meeting, each participant received a maternity kit.
On the project's official website, you can find the themes emphasized in previous years, as well as informative materials that help promote the fight against various types of violence.
The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Portuguese-language news site.