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Female protagonism in the urban planning of Rio de Janeiro
Published on 08/03/2025 - 10:24 | Updated on 08/03/2025 - 10:30
The women of Seop take the lead on several fronts. Photo: Disclosure/Seop Organizing a city like Rio de Janeiro is no small task. The diversity of actions and the complexity of the work make this challenge even greater. And how can it be accomplished and make the city more organized without the fundamental role of women in charge of order, especially in an area that has historically been male-dominated? They take the lead in several areas, such as the Safe BRT, demolitions, street vendor inspections, traffic control, scrapyard inspections, and even helping locals and tourists. On March 8, International Women's Day, celebrating them is recognizing their strength and the transformative impact they have on society.
One example of empowerment in the Public Order is Aimée de La Torre, a class supervisor at the Subsecretariat of Operations (Subop) of the Seop. For Aimée, performing her role is a constant exercise in commitment and courage:
– I am certain that serving and protecting are my callings. In my work, I have been able to offer dignity to the population and, especially, to other women, whom I have welcomed and who have also welcomed me in various situations, with looks of respect and admiration -, says Aimée.
The recognition of her work is evident in the prestigious relationship she has built with her colleagues. At the beginning of her career, as an operational first responder in the Special Operations Group (GOE) of the Municipal Guard (GM-Rio), she stood out in emergency care, both for the population and for her own team.
– Among so many occurrences, the one that impacted me the most was resuscitating a man after a cardiac arrest on Copacabana beach, on Christmas 2021. This moment reinforced my certainty that our mission goes beyond the order, being a commitment to the care and well-being of everyone around us – and, above all, a great challenge -, he adds.
Lorraine Machado, an agent for the Rio + Seguro program and a Municipal Guard for eight years, also experiences this reality of challenges and responsibilities. Before joining one of the most operational teams at Seop, she worked at the Special Beach Group (GEP) of GM-Rio, where she performed several functions, including helping lost children to reunite with their families.
For Lorraine, the routine of a woman in uniform, both on the beaches and on the streets, involves obstacles that go beyond patrolling:
– Imposing oneself is a constant need. Often, the presence of women is ignored by people. It is not uncommon for a man, even with a uniformed officer in front of him, to prefer to look for a male colleague to resolve the situation. Unfortunately, we women need to reaffirm our authority frequently – highlights the officer.
The same determination is reflected in the work of Cristiane dos Santos, who is currently part of the Urban Control Coordination (CCU) and dedicates her free time to the Safe BRT Program.
During the intense inspections at the stations, which receive thousands of people every day, Cristiane deals with several incidents. Among the most notable is the care provided on September 6, 2024, when she helped little Gael, a newborn of just 10 days who had choked on breast milk:
– When I picked Gael up in my arms, I felt the weight of responsibility. I performed the choking maneuver and, when I realized that he was breathing again, the feeling was indescribable – recalls the agent.
In addition to emergencies, Cristiane stands out for her combination of care, technique and sensitivity – essential qualities in situations that highlight vulnerability and violence against women in everyday life. With experience in this type of case, she reinforces the importance of care and emotional support, which become even more powerful when offered from woman to woman:
– I have been arrested for sexual harassment on public transport, a reality that unfortunately still persists. I am proud to be a woman and to work on a landmark project like BRT Seguro, where I can truly make a difference. Being on the front line in these situations is often a way of empowering other women, so that they know they are not alone. This is one of our roles -, concludes Cristiane.
