“Those 365 candles symbolise 365 days. Protecting our women and children can't be an event. It has to be an ongoing thing,” said Reuben Malema, chairperson of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department Men's Forum.

Activist Moss Makwati shared his personal experience of gender-based violence , recounting how his uncle killed both his mother and his own wife.

“This pandemic, for me, is very close to my heart,” Makwati said, highlighting the devastating impact of such violence on families. Demonstrator Khanyisa Mdaka also stressed the human cost, reminding attendees that every woman killed is someone's mother, daughter, friend or relative.

The vigil followed a series of killings in Ekurhuleni, where the bodies of 11 women have reportedly been discovered since July.

At the same time, in Brazil, we hold only 17% of the seats in the Lower House, 19.8% in the Senate, and out of 27 states, we only have two female governors. And it is crucial to remember that until 2016, the Federal Senate didn't even have a women's restroom. It shows us a physical reminder that these spaces of power were quite literally never designed for us.

This low representation is deeply connected to violence . According to the Brazilian Public Security Yearbook, the country recorded 1,571 feminicides in 2025, and the TSE (Superior Electoral Court) recently reported an overwhelming 380% increase in political gender violence against women who dare to step into the “political game”.

This surge isn’t a coincidence; it's fueled by conservative waves online, driven by misogynistic rhetoric and internet coaches promising a "rescue" of a supposed traditional masculinity, one based in times when women weren't even considered citizens under the law.

And let´s not forget that part of this anti-democratic machinery includes women in our political system aligned with the Christian coalition in Congress who have even tried to push for the removal of quotas for female candidates. Even though Brazil is officially a secular state, this bloc exists and remains a powerful force.

As women, we need to realise that everything is political, and this wake-up call is urgent. We are the primary providers in 51% of Brazilian households, yet we face systemic discrimination in the job market. The numbers are frightening: a study by

FGV shows that 49% of women lose their jobs during or right after their maternity leave protection ends. Here we are in 2026, and maternity is still treated as this "sacred gift" that somehow clashes with professional life, as if giving birth to the other half of the population were some kind of professional barrier.

Beauvoir reminds us that it only takes a political, economic or religious crisis for women's rights to be called into question and to break this cycle, we need to look back and remember the Bancada do Batom (the Lipstick Bloc) from the 1988 Constituent Assembly, when women from across the political spectrum, left and right, joined forces to make gender equality a foundational pillar of our democracy .

These upcoming elections aren't about party lines; they are about our right to exist with dignity. Beyond our borders, this is also a crucial moment for all Latin American women.

With less than a week to go, the power is literally in our hands: we can either choose to move forward toward an equal society or risk sliding straight into a real-life Handmaid's Tale, because our fundamental rights are truly on the line.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

Vera Cambiatti holds a Bachelor's degree in Translation and Interpretation from Universidade Metodista de São Paulo, a Teaching Degree in Portuguese and English from Fundação Santo André, and a degree in Pedagogy from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie. She has a postgraduate degree in English Language Teaching, an MBA in School Management from USP, international certifications from Cambridge and Bridge Education, plus extensions in Blended Learning and Anti-Racist Education. Currently, she is pursuing a postgraduate degree in Politics and International Relations at FAAP and serves as a volunteer Public Policy Strategist for the Instituto Levante Mulheres Vivas.

Ramaphosa said the government would soon update the public on measures to address gender-based violence and the investigations into the killings. Two women have reportedly been charged over one of the deaths, but police have not established a connection between them and the other eight cases. Heritage Day, a public holiday since 1995, was celebrated this year under the theme “Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us”.

The demonstration briefly halted the civic-military parade outside the Morelos Government Palace. Scuffles broke out as security personnel attempted to contain the protesters, while some spectators urged officers to allow the demonstration to continue.

Morelos Attorney General Fernando Blumenkron said a judge had issued an arrest warrant for Francisco Javier "N", whom prosecutors identify as the suspected perpetrator of Tacoronte's killing.

"This person answers to the name Francisco Javier N and is attributed responsibility for Claudia's femicide," Blumenkron said.

Authorities have issued a wanted notice and expanded the search beyond Morelos to other Mexican states. Prosecutors stressed that the suspect is presumed innocent until his responsibility is determined by a court.

While most nations, regardless of income level, mandate paid leave as a basic workplace protection, the U.S. continues to provide none at the federal level, placing it alongside countries such as Papua New Guinea, Suriname, and Tonga.

This reality is well-documented by Globalisation Partners. Their country-by-country comparison shows that even nations with limited resources mandate some form of paid leave, underscoring just how unusual the U.S. position is.

The absence of mandated paid leave is becoming more urgent as the U.S. wrestles with maternal health concerns, workplace inequality, and growing public pressure for family-support policies .

Globally, organisations such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) emphasise that paid maternity leave is essential for maternal well-being, child development, and stable employment. The ILO recommends at least 14 weeks of paid leave to meet basic international standards.

As other countries expand parental benefits to address demographic change and support their workforce s, the U.S. remains one of the last holdouts. The debate has taken on new weight amid ongoing political discussions and increasing attention to childcare access, family costs, and workforce retention.

In a landmark decision, 54.3% of Italians voted in favour of establishing a republic, bringing an end to the reign of the House of Savoy and setting the stage for the birth of modern Italy.

The referendum was the first national vote in which Italian women were enfranchised, marking a milestone for democracy and gender equality. The vote was conducted against the backdrop of World War II’s devastation and the collapse of Mussolini’s fascist regime, a period marked by a deep desire for national renewal.

The Northern and Central parts of Italy such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Piedmont and Lombardy overwhelmingly favoured a republic, with some provinces reaching over 80% support, while Southern Italy and the islands: Sicily, Calabria and Campania displayed strong monarchist support, with votes exceeding 60% in some areas.

This regional divide reflected historical, economic, and cultural factors, including the monarchy’s longstanding ties to the South and the North’s embrace of modernist and anti-fascist sentiments.

The northern provinces—such as Veneto (85%) and Piedmont (85%)—delivered a decisive vote for the republic, reflecting the region’s industrial base and active resistance during the war .

On the other hand, regions like Campania (40.6%), Calabria (39.7%), and Sicily (39.0%) saw monarchist majorities, highlighting the South’s conservative leanings and the monarchy’s influence in the region.

The final tally was:

The 1946 referendum was more than a political choice; it represented a catharsis for a nation emerging from dictatorship, war, and occupation. It laid the groundwork for the Italian Republic, which was formally proclaimed on June 18, 1946, and culminated in the adoption of the Italian Constitution in 1948.

This transition also marked the end of the Savoy monarchy’s rule, with King Umberto II leaving Italy in exile.

This conversation appears to be sensitive and delicate, as it raises ethical and moral questions about the termination of human life.

However, its laws vary significantly across the globe, with some countries offering more liberal access to abortion services than others.

Here are five countries known for their progressive stance on legal abortion as provided by the  Pew Research Centre :

Sweden

Sweden is renowned for its liberal abortion laws. The country has 95% tolerance for this process as women in Sweden can access abortion services on request up to the 18th week of pregnancy. After this period, abortions can still be performed with the approval of the National Board of Health and Welfare if there are serious reasons, such as health risks to the mother or severe fetal anomalies.

France

France allows abortion with an 87% score on request up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond this period, abortions are permitted if two physicians certify that continuing the pregnancy would pose a serious risk to the woman's health or if there is a high probability that the fetus has a severe and incurable condition. France's healthcare system ensures that abortion services are accessible and covered by national health insurance.

Netherlands

With the Netherlands known for its comprehensive and accessible abortion services and an 86% scorecard, women can request an abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, with a  mandatory  five-day waiting period after the initial consultation. The Dutch healthcare system ensures that abortion services are widely available and covered by health insurance, making it easier for women to access the care they need.

Germany

With a score sheet of 84%, abortion is permitted within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy in Germany. This is after the woman has undergone mandatory counselling at a state-approved centre at least three days before the procedure. This counselling is intended to ensure that the woman makes an informed decision.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy under the Abortion Act 1967, provided certain  conditions  are met, such as risks to the physical or mental health of the woman or existing children. The UK shares the same score sheet with Germany; 84% and in exceptional cases, such as severe fetal abnormalities or risks to the woman's life, abortions can be performed beyond 24 weeks. The National Health Service (NHS) provides abortion services, ensuring they are accessible and free at the point of use.