Marta Vieira da Silva celebrates women’s empowerment in Brazil Carnival

Tens of thousands of people in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, celebrated the power and strength of women through the inspiring journey of the footballer, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and UN SDG Advocate, Marta Vieira da Silva. She was honoured in the 2020 Carnival parade by the samba school Inocentes de Belford Roxo. Marta’s story of facing challenges, overcoming gender barriers, and inspiring other women and girls was retold by revelers, floats, and decorations along the avenue.

The float was preceded by a group of around 80 people in UN blue costumes led by sixteen girls from the One Win Leads to Another programme of UN Women and the International Olympic Committee. They represented the younger generations that see Ms. Vieira da Silva as a strong role model who inspires them to keep striving for change.

Earlier on the day of the parade, while girls from the One Win Leads to Another programme were playing and rehearsing the lyrics of the parade song, Marta Vieira da Silva showed up as a surprise. “We are here, together, to break barriers, to show that gender equality makes the difference in the world, and that we are free to choose what we want to do!”, she told the girls.