SOCIOPOLITICAL DIMENSIONS AND CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE INTERSECTIONALITY BETWEEN GENDER, POWER AND VIOLENCE: RELEVANT TOPICS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS

Abstract

This book aims to introduce readers to various current topics related to feminism, human rights, women, equality, gender, psychological violence, crime, challenges, politics, equity, law, family, inheritance, protection, and other challenges, all of which intersect with the protection of women. The first chapter discusses the role of the feminist movement in the construction of fundamental rights, analyzing its influence on the consolidation of women's human rights. Focusing specifically on the historical evolution of the feminist struggle, it addresses the achievement of political, labor, and reproductive rights, as well as the fight against gender-based violence. Furthermore, it discusses how the work of feminist movements contributed to the formulation of laws and public policies aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting women's rights. Finally, it demonstrates that, despite the progress achieved, significant challenges remain in the realization of these rights, especially in the face of cultural, institutional, and normative resistance. The need for an intersectional perspective to ensure the inclusion of all women, considering race, class, and sexual orientation, is also highlighted. Thus, the aim is to analyze feminism's theoretical and legal contributions to fundamental rights, demonstrating its relevance in transforming society and promoting social justice.

The second chapter observes that female participation in politics still faces numerous challenges, especially in societies marked by patriarchal structures and historical inequalities. The main barriers that limit women's presence in spaces of power and decision-making are analyzed, highlighting cultural, social, and institutional factors. Structural obstacles include deep-rooted machismo, the sexual division of labor, political gender-based violence, and underrepresentation in political parties and elected offices. Difficulties in accessing financial resources and support networks also contribute to low female participation. Furthermore, the construction of gender stereotypes perpetuates the idea that politics is a predominantly male sphere. Finally, the paper outlines ways to promote gender equality, such as the adoption of affirmative action policies, effective electoral quotas, specific public funding for female candidates, and the creation of more inclusive and safe political environments. Education for gender equality and expanding public debate are equally crucial to overcoming existing barriers. Strengthening female representation in politics is essential to building more just, diverse, and egalitarian democracies.

The third chapter, however, analyzes the criminalization of psychological violence against women, considering its relevance in the context of criminal law and human rights. To this end, the study examines the conceptualization of gender, patriarchal culture, and the impacts of psychological violence on victims' lives. The research seeks to understand how Law No. 14.188/2021, which classified this crime in the Penal Code, represents progress in protecting women, while also facing challenges in its application. Among the main obstacles are the difficulty in proving violence, the lack of training for legal professionals, and the underreporting of cases. Furthermore, the study discusses the importance of effective protective measures and the role of the judicial system in guaranteeing the rights of women victims of this type of violence.

Furthermore, the fourth chapter develops a rationale regarding the exclusion of inheritance in cases of domestic violence, analyzing the advances and challenges in protecting human rights. Given the growing concern about protecting victims of domestic violence, the question arises: to what extent does excluding the aggressor from inheritance represent an effective response to the violation of fundamental rights? Although the Brazilian legal system has incorporated mechanisms to punish heirs who attempt to harm the life or dignity of the inheritor, challenges remain in enforcing these laws, especially in recognizing the various forms of domestic violence. Furthermore, there is a need for further study of the effectiveness of exclusion from inheritance as an instrument of justice and reparation for victims.

The fifth chapter, on the other hand, analyzes obstetric violence from a human rights perspective, highlighting how abusive practices in the context of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum constitute a form of institutional and gender-based violence. The research begins with the conceptualization of obstetric violence and its relationship with the patriarchal and medicalizing culture that has historically stripped women of autonomy over their bodies. The various manifestations of this violence are addressed, such as unnecessary interventions, negligence, humiliation, and dehumanizing practices, which profoundly impact the physical, psychological, and emotional integrity of victims. The study also discusses the legal treatment of the issue in Brazil, as well as the limits of current legislation given the lack of a specific criminal classification. Finally, it advocates the need for effective public policies, the training of health professionals, and the promotion of a culture of respect for women's reproductive dignity. Finally, the sixth chapter presents a brief chronology of international and Brazilian legislation, presenting advances, as well as a conclusion with an analysis of recent bills that are currently being processed and that were filed in 2025, thus providing a vision of future advances regarding the protection of women in the face of persistent and historical domestic and family violence.