Rio de Janeiro City Hall holds graduation ceremony for approximately six thousand women.

The ceremony brought together participants from the qualification, entrepreneurship, and citizenship programs developed by the Secretariat for Policies for Women and Care - Photo: Press Release/Rio City Hall

The mayor of Rio, Eduardo Cavaliere, participated in the graduation ceremony of approximately six thousand women who completed courses and activities promoted by the City Hall during the last few training cycles. The event, organized by the Secretariat of Policies for Women and Care (SPM-Rio), is one of the largest women's certification events in the city and brought together students from different programs focused on professional qualification.

"All the effort we put into this with the Secretariat for Women's Policies and Care is aimed at providing opportunities and reducing gender inequality. Investing in women is investing in everyone, placing women in all sectors and generating employment. With this certificate, these graduates will be able to look ahead and envision better living conditions," said Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere.

The ceremony was attended by women who had completed courses offered by the Casas da Mulher Carioca (Rio Women's Houses) and participants in the Mulher Cidadã (Citizen Woman), Mulheres do Rio (Women of Rio), and Rede Empreendedora Carioca (Rio Entrepreneurial Network) programs. These initiatives are part of the municipal policy promoting female autonomy, which expands opportunities for income generation and productive inclusion in different areas of the city.

The graduation ceremony marked the end of an important stage in the participants' journey and celebrated the achievements of thousands of women who invested in their personal and professional development. Courses included administrative assistant, daycare assistant, confectionery, veterinary assistant, sales administrative routines, PHP programming, Power BI, and artificial intelligence, for example.

— This graduation is a special moment because it represents more than just the completion of a course. For many of these women, this will be the first diploma they receive in their lives. It is the recognition of a journey of effort, dedication, and overcoming challenges. When we transform the life of a woman, we transform the lives of generations, because that woman is able to transform the lives of her children and other generations who also depend on her — highlighted the Secretary of Policies for Women and Care, Mariana Xavier.

In addition to the awarding of certificates, the ceremony also represented a moment of fellowship and appreciation for the transformative stories built through public policies aimed at women in Rio de Janeiro.

Marilene Alves, who completed the basic computer skills training course at Estácio de Sá University, spoke about how the project restored her self-esteem.

"This opportunity was wonderful because it brings together women who aim to grow, not only professionally but also personally. I met colleagues who, like me, overcame depression by being with people who strengthen us. This project only adds value," said Marilene Alves.