In the state of Bahia in Brazil, more than three-quarters of the inhabitants have Afro-Brazilian roots. In their everyday lives, they suffer discrimination and massive violence. CIPÓ, a partner organization of terre des hommes switzerland, campaigns for their rights and better living conditions. SRF with you has visited the project.
Rita Ferreira is fighting a daily battle. She is part of the Afro-Brazilian population and lives in Salvador da Bahia in northeastern Brazil. The 120 or so families who, like her, live in a squatted neighborhood are mostly poor and rarely find work.
They also face daily discrimination and violence. "The main problem for the black population is that we have to constantly fight against injustice. Ultimately, it is also about recognition and compensation for 500 years of slavery," says Rita Ferreira.
A life in microcosm
Together with our partner organization CIPÓ, she is fighting against these abuses. Together with her comrades-in-arms, Rita Ferreira demands more rights and protection for the Afro-Brazilian population through demonstrations and political work.
But CIPÓ also strengthens local aid and encourages the population to support each other. This is particularly important for people who are victims of the serious violence in Salvador da Bahia. Aldecir de Oliveira, who lost her son in a violent confrontation, reports, "Everyone was there for me. They stopped by and supported me with whatever I needed. That helped me a lot."
With their commitment directly on site, Rita Ferreira and CIPÓ help people who are on the fringes of society, give perspective and hope. We are proud to be able to support such a project.
SRF with you dated March 13, 2022, produced by Mitja Rietbrock
