Misinformation and attacks on the Maria da Penha Law, among other subjects, marked the debate on social networks during Women's Month, according to a survey conducted by the School of Communication, Media and Information of the Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV ECMI). The study analyzed 11,071 messages on the platforms X, Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram between March 1 and 10. In addition to hate speech, there are prominent transphobic comments targeting Deputy Erika Hilton and the symbolic dispute between the current First Lady Janja da Silva and her predecessor Michelle Bolsonaro about who is the “better” in her position.
In the initial analysis on the social network X, events and posts about Women's Day were discussed, with two political sides articulating on the topic. In profiles opposing the government, the feminist movement was highlighted, being associated with a leftist political-party agenda. President Lula was also criticized, accused of neglecting the defense of women in the Gaza war, and of a supposed increase in cases of violence against women compared to the previous government.
The opposition echoed posts on social networks about the Women's Day event of the PL party in Brasília, which was attended by Jair and Michelle Bolsonaro, and also about the case of women detained on January 8, who allegedly resisted alleged torture practices at the time.
On Facebook and Instagram, hyper-partisan media profiles and right-wing political actors, such as Federal Deputy Bia Kicis, attacked Deputy Erika Hilton after she was chosen for an homage by the Ela section of O Globo newspaper for Women's Day. Other attacks on the trans population, such as false news related to the transmission of HIV to babies from voluntary breastfeeding, also had space on the networks. Posts criticizing the statement by the Minister of Education, Camilo Santana, about the possibility of establishing quotas for trans people in federal educational institutions were shared.
Another topic that resonated in right-wing profiles was the comparison between Janja da Silva and Michelle Bolsonaro, with posts asking which of the two represented the followers more. The responses triggered comments that classified Michelle as a “family mother,” “true first lady,” of “moral values” and “honor,” while Janja was referred to as a “criminal’s wife”.