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Women's Secretariat and Taxi.Rio join forces in campaign to combat violence against women
Published on 01/08/2025 - 11:18 | Updated on 01/08/2025 - 13:01
The action is part of the Purple August campaign Starting this Friday (1/8), passengers using the Taxi.Rio app who request rides will receive a message on their cell phones: “Violence against women? Seek help at: www.mulher.rio”. The action, which takes place in the first half of the month, is part of the Purple August campaign, dedicated to raising awareness and combating violence against women.
The initiative is a partnership between the Secretariat of Policies for Women and Care and IplanRio, responsible for developing the ride-hailing app. The goal is to expand access to information, publicize the city's protection network, and engage society as a whole in combating gender-based violence. Purple August marks the 18th anniversary of the Maria da Penha Law, reinforcing the government's commitment to concrete prevention, support, and care actions.
"In Rio, every space needs to be a place of protection for women, including those that are part of our daily lives, such as transportation. With this partnership, we're putting essential information in the palm of the hand of those who might need it. Safety also means access to information, support, and a support network, and it starts with concrete actions like this, which save lives," says Secretary Joyce Trindade.
For IplanRio president João Carabetta, technology is a powerful tool for transforming people's lives and building a safer, more welcoming city.
"By integrating the 'Purple August' campaign message into the Taxi.Rio Cidades app, we are using our expertise to raise awareness for an essential cause and connect the population to a vital support network. It's a way to demonstrate that technology, when used well, can be a fundamental ally in combating violence against women, reinforcing our commitment to Rio de Janeiro society and the promotion of a more just and egalitarian future," said Carabetta.
The message the passenger receives informs them about the website www.mulher.rio, an anonymous, secure, and free platform created by the Secretariat to help women identify situations of violence and find the nearest service. Through simple questions, the website provides guidance on the type of violence, shows the location of available services, and provides useful contacts: Military Police, SAMU (Mobile Emergency Care Service), and women's police stations.
In addition to the platform, the city has a structured support network. The CEAMs (Specialized Women's Assistance Centers) offer legal, psychological, and social support to women experiencing violence. Meanwhile, the NEAMs (Specialized Women's Assistance Centers), located in the Casas da Mulher Carioca in Realengo and Madureira, bring services closer to high-demand neighborhoods, ensuring faster and more humane access. The NEAP (Specialized Psychotherapeutic Assistance Center) is responsible for ongoing psychological support. In cases of severe risk, referral to a confidential shelter is possible.
Taxi.Rio's participation in this campaign is strategic. Taxi drivers are on the streets, familiar with the areas, and often witness or hear reports of difficult situations. Therefore, they are important allies in disseminating information on protection and support. By contributing to this initiative, they help save lives and transform the reality of these victims.
