Nise da Silveira Award celebrates its 10th edition at the Carlos Gomes Theater
“Women Who Inspire” was the theme of this edition
Rio de Janeiro City Hall, through the Secretariat of Women's Policies and Care, held the 5th edition of the Nise da Silveira Award on Tuesday (August 8th), with the theme "Women Who Inspire." The event was held at the historic Carlos Gomes Theater in downtown Rio de Janeiro and recognized life stories that move, elevate, and represent female power in different areas of society.
"I want to congratulate those honored with the Nise da Silveira Award. Since we created the Women's Secretariat, the first among state capitals, I'm certain we've been transforming the lives of many women for the better. Thank you for the example set by all of you who are receiving the award today. You mean so much to Rio de Janeiro," said Mayor Eduardo Paes in a video message.
The award recognizes life stories that move, elevate and represent female power in different areas of society – Michele Gomes/Women's Secretariat
Created in 2013 by Municipal Decree No. 36.852, the award bears the name of the Alagoas psychiatrist who revolutionized mental health in Brazil with her sensitive and innovative approach. The honor is an institutional recognition of women who, with talent, courage, and commitment, have promoted real change in the municipality and beyond.
"For ten years, the Nise da Silveira Award has celebrated the lives of women who are transforming the reality of Rio de Janeiro. This year, we've brought together writers, actresses, and singers. We know that the strength of women inspires the lives of others, and so we're able to celebrate them through this award. It's a day of great pride; the award bears the name of a truly powerful woman who transformed healthcare in Brazil. And today, we've brought together women from diverse fields to serve as inspiration for future generations," said Joyce Trindade, Secretary of Women's Policies and Care.
The 2025 edition honored Débora Falabella, a Brazilian theater, film, and television actress; Rosane Svartman, a screenwriter and director responsible for soap operas such as Vai na Fé and Totalmente Demais; Thalita Rebouças, a writer with over 30 published titles and a prominent voice in young adult literature; Gabi de Pretas, a Black communicator and activist, a leading figure in representation; Marli Peçanha, a public administrator with a prominent role in the city's territories; Samanta Alves, a reporter and presenter who became a digital phenomenon at 24; Nath Finanças, a national leader in accessible financial education; and Cacá Nascimento, a Brazilian singer, actress, and dancer, known for her work on the Mangueira front committee, in theater plays, and as a performer for Mangueira do Amanhã.
"It's a tremendous honor. First, to be alongside such incredible women. Second, to receive an award named after Nise da Silveira, a woman who revolutionized the way we view mental health in Brazil. I've been playing characters dealing with gender-based violence for a few years now. For the past two years, I've dedicated myself to this in my show, which has had a huge impact on both male and female audiences. It's been a wonderful experience; the play has generated discussion, and we're going to tour Brazil," said Débora Falabella.
Writer Thalita Rebouças emphasized that all women should believe in themselves. No one in her family believed in her, and today she has sold over two million books, in a country that doesn't read as much as it could.
"I won an award in my 25-year career, named after Nise da Silveira, such a powerful figure, a reference in mental health treatment. I know exactly how literature can help. Receiving this award is very special."
In the last edition, in 2024, the award honored big names such as Xuxa, Alcione, Fátima Bernardes, Clara Moneke, journalists Ana Paula Araújo and Renata Silveira, model Maju Araújo, presenter and businesswoman Andressa Cabral, public servant Bárbara Nascimento and Yngrid Silva, former student of Casa da Mulher Carioca Dinah Coutinho.
“Women Who Inspire” was the theme of this edition 
