Access to Justice for Women in Brazil: The Role of Paralegals

Women around the world face significant barriers in accessing justice, from discriminatory laws to socioeconomic challenges that impede their legal empowerment. In Brazil, these issues are particularly pronounced. This case study examined the efforts of Themis – Gender Justice and Human Rights, a pioneering feminist organization, to address these barriers through its Promotoras Legais Populares (PLP) program. Over the past 30 years, Themis has empowered women with the legal knowledge and tools to advocate for their rights, impacting local, national, and international spheres. By exploring the successes and challenges of this initiative, the study offers a nuanced view of the ongoing struggle for gender justice and human rights, and how paralegal programs can help increase access to justice for women.