Erika Hilton's historic rise reshapes Brazil's fight against gender violence
Erika Hilton has been elected president of the committee with 11 votes in favour and ten abstentions. The newly chosen vice president, Laura Carneiro, highlighted the group's long record of challenges and successes. Hilton's rise follows years of activism and political work in Brazil's Chamber of Deputies.
Born in Franco da Rocha, São Paulo, Hilton faced early hardship. Expelled from home at 15 because of her gender identity, she survived on the streets and through sex work. Her fight for recognition began in 2015 when she demanded her chosen name be legally accepted on a student transit pass. An online petition supporting her cause gathered over six thousand signatures, drawing the attention of the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL) and launching her political career.
Elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 2022, Hilton has since pushed for laws against gender-based political violence. She co-authored PL 4757/2023, which sets out prevention and punishment measures, and led initiatives in 2023–2025. These included public hearings and amendments to the Maria da Penha Law, resulting in stronger protections for victims and electoral reforms against misogynistic violence.
The new leadership has outlined clear priorities. These include oversight of existing policies, strengthening the Women's Protection Network, and expanding support through the Brazilian Women's Houses. Hilton also aims to promote comprehensive healthcare for women and continue her work against political violence. However, the election faced immediate backlash, with far-right congresswoman Chris Tonietto claiming it undermined the definition of womanhood.
Hilton's presidency marks a shift in the committee's direction, focusing on oversight and gender-based violence prevention. Her policies and legislative efforts are set to shape the group's agenda in the coming term. Opposition criticism, however, signals ongoing political tensions over her leadership.
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