The Challenge
Brazil is facing an epidemic of femicide resulting from gender-based violence (GBV). Approximately 17 million Brazilian women experience violence every year — one in four women. While Brazil has a comprehensive legal framework, implementation has been a challenge given the lack of political will and the drastic decrease in public spending to tackle GBV.
This situation is compounded by public service inadequacies, including a lack of well-trained staff, facilities, and inter-agency cooperation. An analysis of registered femicides found that 78% of women killed had already sought public assistance, revealing that the state is failing them.
The Solution
Mapa do Acolhimento is a non-profit that deploys direct support to GBV survivors, mobilizes action, and provides the government with technical assistance to address GBV in Brazil.
Mapa began as a volunteer platform, providing psychological and legal support through its network. While this remains key, Mapa — which became independent from Nossas in 2023 — now also works to create systems change by strengthening public services that support women. Through training interventions, as well as public and policy action, the organization aims to ensure agency for women through more qualified and humanized assistance.
With Co-Impact’s support, Mapa has achieved the following so far:
People-level outcomes
Supported 5,000+ women.
Registered 14,000+ volunteers.
Provided volunteer service hours valued at $768,000, focusing on high-need areas.
Institutional-level outcomes
Mapped 3,000+ women’s support services, creating Brazil’s largest database of this kind.
Developed a GBV prevention policy in Alagoas — the only state in Brazil to secure federal funding for three integrated survivor care centers — in partnership with Instituto Geni and JPAL.
Provided mental health assistance equivalent to one-third of Brazil’s universal health system.
Organisation-level outcomes
Transitioned from Nossas to an independent 501(c)(3) equivalent entity.
Expanded the team, prioritizing diversity.
Raised $500,000+, identified new funders, and secured support from foundations, embassies, and academic institutions.
Received backing from the Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges to develop AI technology infrastructure.
