AMB: Strategic Advocacy for National Change

The Articulação de Mulheres Brasileiras (AMB) is a culturally diverse network of feminist activists and organizations advocating for women’s rights in Brazil. AMB was formed in 1994 in preparation for the 1995 United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women  in Beijing. Initially, Brazilian activists created AMB as a watchdog mechanism to ensure the Brazilian government’s implementation of the Conference’s resulting Platform for Action. In the last decade, AMB has significantly expanded its scope and it now serves as a national network for Brazilian advocates to share information and develop common strategies on various issues, including violence against women, access to safe abortion, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

AMB trains spokespeople to advocate effectively for legal, safe abortion and expanding abortion access. AMB also provides opportunities for activists to engage in strategic sessions that identify significant moments for action, and develop action plans.

Representing the interests and concerns of its network members, AMB is an active participant in the Brazilian Initiative for the Right to Legal and Safe Abortion (Jornadas Brasileiras pelo Direito ao Aborto Legal e Seguro). Jornadas is a national network advocating for the reform of Brazil's restrictive abortion laws, and AMB has supported this effort with media projects, public demonstrations, and advocacy before the national congress. 

In April 2005, the Brazilian federal government installed a Tripartite Commission (TC) to review proposed changes to the existing abortion laws. This commission included representatives from civil society and the executive and legislative branches of government.  Jornadas was invited to fill four of the six civil society slots, and AMB was one of the groups selected.  AMB played a key role in this commission.

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Page last updated 5/1/08.