Last week, Professor Djamila Ribeiro received, at the Espaço Feminismos Plurais (Feminismos Plurais Space), in São Paulo, the French edition of her book Letters to My Grandmother (Ta magie m’a menée jusqu’ici – Lettres à ma grand-mère), celebrating the arrival of her latest work to French-speaking audiences. The occasion was also marked by strategic visits aimed at enabling new partnerships focused on supporting and empowering women in vulnerable situations.

The Brazilian scholar created the ‘Espaço’ in 2022 with the mission of providing support and conditions for the personal, emotional, and professional development of women, especially Black and marginalized women. Located in the Moema district of São Paulo, the institute offers free psychological, legal, and dental services, in addition to hosting cultural activities, conversation circles, and providing free access to a library and research room with internet.

One of the institute’s standout initiatives is its collaboration with Casa Rosângela Rigo (Rosângela Rigo Temporary Shelter), the city’s first temporary shelter for women victims of violence. Since its founding, the institute has organized group therapy sessions for both the residents and the professionals working at the shelter. Among its educational materials is the booklet “Is it love? A guide to confronting violence against women”, available for free at the institute’s headquarters or via the Linktree on the @feminismos.plurais Instagram profile.

The institute also invests in economic empowerment initiatives. Through the Johnnie Walker Fund, it has supported projects aimed at Black women entrepreneurs. In 2024, in partnership with the Formula 1 Grand Prix and Escola do Mecânico, the institute selected and supported women in training courses in automotive mechanics, forklift operation, and bodywork — an initiative regarded as a success.

“We have been working intensively to build bridges and expand opportunities for women who have historically been left on the margins. The economy is also a space for struggle and transformation,” says Djamila.

New partnerships

As part of the ongoing expansion of the institute’s activities, Djamila welcomed Nelson Hervey, director of Sebrae São Paulo, this week. The meeting aimed to identify synergies and discuss potential collaborations focused on female entrepreneurship.

“It is essential to engage with institutions committed to public policies aimed at historically marginalized groups. Hervey’s visit signals a promising path toward building consistent and transformative projects,” emphasizes the Brazilian professor.

Espaço Feminismos Plurais: your place of voice.

Those interested in learning more about the initiatives or accessing the free services offered can visit Espaço Feminismos Plurais at Avenida Chibarás, 666, Moema, São Paulo, or contact via WhatsApp: +55 11 96414-4314.