Maiara Pedral

As a black woman, candomblecist, bisexual, mother, and social work graduate from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), my life has been defined by early activism and intentional choices that reflect my commitment to various causes. My education provided a critical lens, emphasizing human rights advocacy within the societal context. Working as a data analyst at Instituto Fogo Cruzado, I focused on mapping armed violence in Salvador and the metropolitan area, aligning with my goal to empower marginalized groups through political organization. Beyond academics, I am an activist in JACA and I engaged with organizations like Coletivo Feminista Classista Ana Montenegro and served on the National Executive of Social Service students, contributing to gender research with a focus on the Maria da Penha law and diversity monitoring in human rights contexts. Additionally, I worked as a technician for the project "My Mother Doesn't Sleep Until I Arrive" at ODARA - Instituto da Mulher Negra, continuing my efforts to address the intersection of gender and race in social projects and programs. Through activism and research, I've advocated for the rights of black and female populations, emphasizing the importance of human rights in a society often neglectful of marginalized voices. This work has been especially pertinent during periods of societal restructuring and renewed commitments to human rights. Recognizing the impact of police violence and drug trafficking on young black Brazilians and Bahians, my ongoing project prioritizes dialogue and awareness-building around public security, drawing from my experiences as a researcher and mother. Expanding beyond security concerns, I've also delved into the anthropology of food and continued researching food security, uncovering alarming levels of food insecurity and advocating for increased investment in family farming. Through these endeavors, I strive to contribute to the construction of a society where all can thrive, embodying the principles of Good Living amidst systemic challenges.