Tens of thousands of women in cities across Brazil rallied against gender-based violence on Sunday amid a series of recent high-profile cases that have shocked the country and sparked fury.

Women of all ages and some men took to the streets in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and other cities and called for an end to femicides, rape and misogyny and for men to join them in their struggle.

In São Paulo, the march took place at the iconic Avenida Paulista with thousands of women, but also many men, carrying signs and chanting messages against femicide. At one point, participants laid on the floor to symbolize the violence against women's bodies all over the country.

Demonstrators in Rio de Janeiro placed dozens of black crosses on the hot concrete, bore stickers with messages, such as “machismo kills” and wore green scarfs associated with the demand for access to abortion.

A decade ago, Brazil passed a law recognizing the crime of femicide defined as the death of a woman in the domestic sphere or following contempt for women.

In 2024, 1,492 were victims of femicide, the highest number since the law was introduced in 2015.

AP Video shot by Thiago Mostazo, Maycron Abade and Diarlei Rodrigues