Women in Disasters: Leadership and Action During the Pandemic

On March 8, 2021, amid one of the most critical phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, Hopeful Brasil hosted an online event with a powerful and necessary theme: “Women in Disasters: Leadership and Action During the Pandemic.”

The event brought together four remarkable women working on the frontlines of the health crisis: Gisele, a physician and hospital manager; Valeska, a public school teacher and former Secretary for Women’s Policies; Mariana, a physiotherapist working in intensive care; and moderator Cláudia, a physical education professional. Through a sensitive and strong facilitation, the participants shared not only their professional experiences but also personal accounts of motherhood, emotional exhaustion, loss, faith, reinvention, and solidarity.

It was a space for listening and recognition. Dr. Gisele reflected on work overload, the emotional distance from loved ones, and the challenge of balancing leadership and empathy in a hospital on the brink of collapse. Mariana delivered an emotional testimony, describing the psychological impact of holding up phones so patients could say goodbye to their families before being intubated. Valeska reminded us that schools are more than places of learning — they reveal deep social vulnerabilities, and the pandemic has only deepened these inequalities.

The event was organized to mark International Women’s Day, but its significance extends far beyond the date. It reaffirmed the essential role of women in disaster response, even amid invisibility, overload, and institutional neglect. As one of the participants said, “Women are everywhere: in schools, hospitals, kitchens, and ICUs — leading, teaching, caring, resisting.”

In times of collapse, denialism, and inequality, listening to these voices is urgent. The pandemic has shown that resilience is not only about technical capacity — it is also built through care, courage, and community.

Watch the full event on our YouTube channel and follow Hopeful Brasil for future educational activities.