The event blending samba and women’s empowerment in Rio

At the Difícil é o Nome samba school in Rio’s North Zone, women from across sectors gathered to debate representation, health, and female leadership.

Rio de Janeiro’s North Zone hosted a powerful gathering last Sunday (March 29). The first edition of Entre Vozes e Samba: Mulheres em Movimento (“Between Voices and Samba: Women in Motion”) brought together diverse voices to discuss female empowerment, self-care, and the role of women in Brazilian popular culture.

Born from within carnival culture

The event was created and coordinated by Isabelle Amaral, lead percussionist queen (“rainha de bateria”) of the Difícil é o Nome samba school and featured performer of União do Parque Acari. Held at the school’s rehearsal space, the gathering had the full support of the host organization and fostered an environment of dialogue, listening, and shared experience.

While rooted in carnival culture, the event’s reach extended further. It connected women from different professional backgrounds around shared priorities: health, representation, public safety, and building support networks.

The voices shaping the conversation

The panel brought together guests with diverse profiles and expertise. Each brought a unique perspective to the discussion on female leadership:

• Amanda Oliveira, public administrator and featured performer of Portela samba school
• Barbara Sheldon, superintendent of Sexual Diversity and Carnival Representation
• Egili Oliveira, actress and samba teacher
• Isaura Melo, entrepreneur and carnival manager
• Laiz Preta, HR manager and businesswoman
• Laíza Bastos, public security professional and cultural producer
• Larissa Melo, lawyer and percussionist queen
• Luana Estrela, biomedical professional and queen of Império Serrano samba school
• Marcele Oliver, educator and founder of Instituto Avança Nega
• Patrícia Martins, financial educator
• Raiane Marques

Circles of conversation, collective strength

The program featured discussion circles that encouraged participants to share personal experiences and reflections. The atmosphere was one of care and collective empowerment, with a strong emphasis on self-care and the importance of women supporting one another.

More than a one-time event, this initiative signals the beginning of an ongoing conversation. The goal is to expand the debate around women’s issues both inside and outside the world of samba, reinforcing the centrality of women in Brazilian culture and society.

Event Info

• Event: Entre Vozes e Samba: Mulheres em Movimento — 1st edition
• Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
• Venue: Difícil é o Nome samba school — Av. Dom Hélder Câmara, 6990, North Zone, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Creator and coordinator: Isabelle Amaral