Action at ParáPaz Mulher strengthens the fight against violence and brings free services to the assisted
Women assisted by the unit had access to consultations, prescription glasses, and guidance
This Friday morning (28) was different at ParáPaz Mulher in Belém. The space, which daily welcomes women in situations of violence, received a special program of services, care, and information. The action was part of the campaign "21 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women," reinforcing the commitment of the ParáPaz Foundation to offer support and strengthen those who are rebuilding their lives.
The participants had access to optometric care, with brand new prescription glasses, as well as consultations with a general practitioner and gynecologist. There were also skin cleaning and beauty consulting services. All services were free, provided by partners, and designed exclusively for the assisted women of the unit, who resolved various needs in the space itself, with tranquility and without facing long lines.
Among them was C., 46 years old, who has been attending the unit for about a year and a half. She took advantage of the action to change her glasses, which were already defective, and spoke about how she has been feeling, as she continues to receive psychological support after suffering abuse from her ex-partner.
"I needed this for a long time and today I was able to change my glasses. I was very satisfied with this opportunity and I will also look at other things they are offering," she said. "Here I feel well treated. We arrive and are received with care and respect, which is why we want to participate in activities, talk... and that way we don’t feel alone."
R., 56 years old, praised the gynecological care and celebrated the chance to change the prescription glasses she needed for over five years. "I am unemployed and currently cannot afford consultations or buy glasses, so I waited so long to be able to do this. This place is wonderful. Here I found care and support; sometimes we don’t even have that at home. And to get all these services without heat, without lines, for free, in this place where we feel good, is even better."
The coordinator of the unit, Bruna Castelo Branco, highlighted that the action is part of the mobilizations to combat gender violence and emphasized the importance of bringing women closer to these services.
"Today we carried out this action to strengthen the campaign against gender violence. It is essential that society understands and combats, more and more, all forms of violence, including digital harassment. In addition to raising awareness, we brought together health services, social assistance, self-care, and the valorization of women, encouraging them to come to us to gain knowledge and receive care," she stated.
The 21 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women is an international mobilization held annually between November and December, drawing attention to the various forms of violence that affect girls and women. In Brazil, the campaign runs from November 20 to December 10.
*The names of the participants have been abbreviated to preserve the safety and integrity of the women assisted by the unit.
