Por Elas- Supporting Girls and Women

Instituto Por Elas: Empowering Women, Transforming Lives in Brazil

Instituto Por Elas is a groundbreaking nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Brazilian women and girls, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Founded on the belief that every woman deserves the OPPORTUNITY to thrive, the institute fosters education, professional development, social inclusion, and sustainability to create pathways toward a more equitable and prosperous future. By addressing systemic barriers and creating innovative programs, Instituto Por Elas has positioned itself as a leader in transforming lives and promoting equality across Brazil.

The mission of Instituto Por Elas is to address systemic inequalities, nurture talents, and promote social and environmental sustainability, ensuring dignity, opportunity, and a voice for those who need it most. With a vision of a world where women are leaders in their communities, empowered to achieve their full potential, the institute actively works to shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and compassionate society.

Instituto Por Elas began as a passionate response to the barriers many women in Brazil face daily, particularly in regions like Minas Gerais and the Northeast (especially Bahia), where structural inequalities often hinder access to education, employment, and social support. These regions are home to diverse and vibrant communities, yet they face significant economic and social challenges. Recognizing this, Instituto Por Elas strategically focuses its projects here, understanding that empowering women in these areas creates ripples of change for entire families and communities.

Through strategic partnerships with government bodies, private organizations, and grassroots movements, the institute has developed meaningful initiatives that uplift women while addressing urgent local needs. Creativity and innovation are at the heart of all programs, transforming simple ideas into powerful tools for empowerment and sustainable change.

One of the institute’s flagship projects, U-au Por Elas, repurposes discarded fabrics like denim into stylish pet clothing and "mom and baby" collections. This creative and sustainable approach not only reduces waste but also creates employment opportunities for seamstresses in vulnerable conditions, providing them with income. This project exemplifies how environmental consciousness can blend seamlessly with social inclusion, creating lasting impacts.

Language is a gateway to opportunity, and Speak Por Elas focuses on teaching English to young leaders, with 30% of participants being Indigenous women. This initiative equips them with the tools to connect globally and expand their horizons. The goal is to provide scholarships for international exchange programs in the United States, fostering cultural exchange and empowering participants to bring valuable insights back to their communities. By prioritizing young leaders from Minas Gerais and the Northeast, Speak Por Elas helps address regional disparities and creates opportunities where they are needed most.

Viva Por Elas supports migrant and refugee women, providing employability fairs, childcare during events, and resources to facilitate their integration into Brazilian society. This initiative offers dignity, hope, and practical solutions to displaced women, helping them rebuild their lives and contribute to their new communities.

Yacy Por Elas focuses on Indigenous women’s empowerment by celebrating their leadership and cultural heritage. The initiative offers training, resources, and platforms to help Indigenous women become community leaders while preserving their traditions. In 2023, the institute took four Indigenous women leaders to Climate Week in New York City, where they shared their insights on environmental preservation, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainability on a global stage. This remarkable opportunity not only elevated their voices but also showcased the unique perspectives that Indigenous leadership brings to global challenges. Beyond Climate Week, Yacy Por Elas has launched several impactful projects, including workshops on sustainable practices, leadership, digital literacy, and advocacy skills. These programs ensure that Indigenous women can thrive in the modern world while staying connected to their roots.

Gaymar Por Elas, the first LGBTQIA+ nautical parade in Brazil, is a groundbreaking event held in the historic neighborhood of Ribeira in Salvador, a city recognized for its rich culture but also tragically known as one of the capitals with the highest rates of violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals. This initiative blends creativity, celebration, advocacy, and economic opportunity, creating a safe and vibrant space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to express their identities and raise awareness about equality and inclusion. The project actively involves women-led associations and cooperatives from diverse backgrounds, providing them with opportunities to generate income. Through participation as vendors, service providers, and artisans, these groups gain visibility and access to broader audiences, promoting their products and services while building networks for long-term growth. From handmade crafts and sustainable fashion to culinary experiences and performances, the project integrates economic empowerment into its celebration of diversity.

Gaymar Por Elas also highlights the richness of Brazil’s cultural tapestry, featuring drag performances, Afro-Brazilian demonstration. By holding this event in Ribeira, a neighborhood with deep cultural significance, the parade aims to challenge societal prejudices and reclaim spaces for LGBTQIA+ joy and visibility in a region marked by violence. This innovative initiative reflects Instituto Por Elas’ commitment to breaking barriers and promoting equality while empowering underrepresented groups economically and socially. By combining creativity, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, Gaymar Por Elas exemplifies how inclusivity can drive both cultural and economic transformation.

As part of its ongoing efforts to empower women, Instituto Por Elas is deeply committed to promoting artisanal crafts and the creative economy as transformative tools for economic inclusion and cultural preservation. Artisanal crafts have long been an essential part of Brazil’s heritage, and Instituto Por Elas seeks to not only preserve these traditions but also turn them into a viable source of income for women. The institute plans to create training programs that teach modern techniques alongside traditional methods, helping women improve their products and access broader markets. These programs will also include workshops on branding, digital marketing, and e-commerce, enabling women artisans to thrive in the global economy. By fostering creative industries, the institute not only generates income opportunities but also elevates traditional crafts, integrating them into a broader economy that values sustainability and innovation.

Another key focus area for Instituto Por Elas is the empowerment of young women through leadership and entrepreneurship training. These programs aim to inspire the next generation of changemakers, equipping them with the skills and confidence to lead impactful projects in their communities. Leadership training will emphasize critical skills such as public speaking, negotiation, and project management, with a strong focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by women in Minas Gerais and the Northeast. By developing these skills, participants will be better equipped to advocate for their communities, drive social change, and build sustainable businesses.

Minas Gerais and the Northeast of Brazil are central to Instituto Por Elas’s mission. These regions have vast potential, yet they face significant economic and social challenges. By focusing its efforts here, the institute ensures that women in these areas have access to opportunities that address their unique needs. Programs like Speak Por Elas and Yacy Por Elas are tailored to these communities, providing tools for education, leadership, and cultural preservation.

Instituto Por Elas has already empowered countless women to develop new skills, gain employment, and lead within their communities. Future plans include expanding international exchange programs, particularly to the United States, to develop young leaders from underrepresented regions. Scaling U-au Por Elas to include additional eco-friendly practices and expand to new regions. Launching digital literacy programs to equip women with the skills needed for modern careers. Establishing regional centers across Minas Gerais and the Northeast to provide safe spaces for training, support, and community building. Growing Gaymar Por Elas into an annual event that attracts national and international attention, further promoting inclusivity and diversity. Strengthening the focus on artisanal crafts and the creative economy will remain a cornerstone of these plans, empowering women to turn their creativity into sustainable livelihoods.

Instituto Por Elas is not just an organization—it is a movement driven by innovation, creativity, and a deep commitment to equality. By empowering women in vulnerable situations and focusing on regions where support is most needed, the institute is creating a legacy of transformation. With each project and partnership, Instituto Por Elas redefines what’s possible, proving that when women are empowered, entire communities and societies thrive. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.