Coletivo Gira is a movement founded by immigrant women in Portugal with the aim of promoting Afro-Brazilian culture and gender equality through samba.

Founded in 2021 in Lisbon, Coletivo Gira was born from the initiative of four immigrant women with different life stories, backgrounds, origins, and professions — but united by a shared love for samba and their deep-rooted heritage. From this initial idea, and from their own lived experience of the historical barriers faced by women in society, they decided to form a collective. The group’s core line-up features seven women on stage. Despite its short history, Coletivo Gira already has a network of around thirty women — both amateur and professional — who have taken part in its samba circles. It is worth highlighting that Coletivo Gira skilfully combines social activism and advocacy with its musical practice. In a short time, the collective has performed more than eighty shows, including appearances at some of Portugal’s leading festivals and venues.

Through music, Coletivo Gira seeks to break down gender barriers and stereotypes by strengthening the presence of women in samba. They play for gender equality, against racism, and in celebration of diversity and life. In doing so, Coletivo Gira shows that samba knows no borders, no gender — it has always been, and always will be, a powerful form of expression and resistance.