Despite life’s challenges, there are women who, with courage and determination, not only transform their own destiny, but also profoundly impact the world around them. This is the vision that prompted the Dara Institute, the Skoll Foundation and the Video Consortium to launch the documentary The Wheel Turns and the online seminar Rebuilding Links: Women’s Leadership in Socially Vulnerable Families, on May 13, 2025.
Directed by filmmaker Isabel Joffily, the 14-minute documentary starring Ana Paula and Vanessa, two women attended by the Dara Institute program, shows the transformative impact their actions have had on the lives of their families and in their community, despite the difficulties and challenges of their vulnerable social contexts. The stories are living examples of strength, resilience and female protagonism. As Isabel Assis, Manager of Social Programs of the Dara Institute, said when quoting the American professor, philosopher and socialist activist Angela Davis: “When a black woman moves, the entire structure of society moves with her.” The quote resonates strongly in the lives of the women portrayed in the documentary, reflecting the profound impact of their efforts and achievements on society.
The seminar had remarkable moments. Experienced social assistance, health and human rights professionals were invited to participate in the panel: Dr. Cibele Henriques, professor of the School of Social Work of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro; Cristina Pereira, leader of the Service area at the Dara Institute; and Amanda Lemos, researcher of the Knowledge and Information Sharing area at Dara. Dr. Vera Cordeiro, founder and Chairwoman of Dara, opened the meeting with Gabriel Diamond, Skoll Foundation representative.
Both the debate and the video moved those present. A member of the audience, Shirley Pinto, commented in the chat: “Impactful, inspiring! Congratulations to Dara for being a spokesperson and fulfiller of so many dreams.”
Watch the documentary The Wheel Turns and share in this transformation.
