Brazilian women say ‘No Means No’ at carnival

“No means no” is a new battle cry for Brazilian women mobilizing against assault at carnival, a raucous party whose free-wheeling atmosphere leaves women particularly vulnerable to unwanted sexual contact.     

In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein episode that triggered the #MeToo campaign against harassment in the United States, Brazilian women are out in full force -- with some even sporting temporary tattoos with the message emblazoned across their shoulders, arms and chests.Rio’s carnival -- the world’s largest -- falls during the city’s pre-Lenten blowout which draws millions of near-naked revelers dancing as the alcohol flows, and flows.

The feast of excess is also often the backdrop for a slew of sexual assaults, particularly against women.Luka Borges therefore is tirelessly distributing the temporary “No Means No” tattoos as part of a street parade -- known as a “bloco” -- set to samba tunes in Rio’s center.“

There is a lot of machismo in Brazil --so doing this for carnival is really pressing,” the 28-year-old project manager told AFP.“We women spend much more time out in the streets, wearing less clothing -- then this is their pretext for aggression.”    

Borges created with four friends “No Means No” tattoos, and began distributing them to women last year during some of the city’s blocos, after one of them was harassed.Thanks to social media and a crowdfunding campaign, some 27,000 tattoos have been produced for the 2018 carnival, in Rio as well as cities including Salvador, Sao Paulo and Olinda.“A lot of the time, at past carnivals, we were harassed and did not even realize it,” said Anna Studard, a 27-year-old theater producer. “We thought it was normal! But I think in the past couple of years we’ve started to realize that ‘no means no.’”    

Carnival, with its totally uninhibited and ultra-sexy atmosphere is widely seen as a moment partiers can kiss and touch strangers without concern.Yet far from taking a puritanical turn, the women behind this campaign simply say they’re simply trying to bolster the “my body, my rules” concept already familiar to many in Brazil.“If we continue to cover ourselves, to hide, the youngest girls will have to continue to protect themselves,” said Borges. “I think it’s a political act to walk around with bare breasts, for example.”    

For some Brazilians, the “No Means No” temporary tattoo sends a message beyond feminism.“My fiance is traveling. And this tattoo will prevent anyone from spoiling my party; I feel safer,” said Caroline Fachetti, 19, who sports a striped swimsuit top and blue short shorts.Beside her, six English tourists drink beers and take in the scene.     “It’s totally appropriate,” said James Allan, 28, of the campaign. “Brazil is years behind Europe.”    

The situation for women in Brazil is not only precarious during carnival.One in three women over the age of 16 has reported being physically, verbally or emotionally abused, according to a Datafolha survey published in March 2017, looking at data from the previous year.That’s why Borges refuses the tattoos to men, despite welcoming their moral support.“It is our struggle,” she said. “It is on our body that ‘no’ must be written.”

Brazilians dancing away troubles of 2017 at Carnival parties

Amid a lackluster economy, a massive corruption investigation and increasing political polarization, Brazilians let off steam on Feb. 10 during the first full day of Carnival, a holiday long considered a safety valve for social and political tensions.Known for elaborate - or skimpy - costumes and intense samba competitions,

Carnival celebrations also frequently take on serious subjects. This year, for instance, women’s groups are highlighting the sexual harassment and unwelcome touching that many face during the celebrations and throughout the year on Brazil’s streets. Others have called attention to housing shortages or are criticizing politicians who have been accused of corruption.But many see Carnival as a time to take a break from those weighty issues.

“Carnival transcends politics - it’s (a celebration) of the Brazilian people,” said Hector Batelli, a 30-year-old lawyer, who on Saturday was enjoying a Sao Paulo Carnival street party, known as a bloco, as quoted by The Associated Press.“So we put aside politics to have a party, to celebrate.”