Maria Eduarda Silva
Maria Eduarda Silva, also known as Duda, is a Brazilian youth activist from Bonito, Pernambuco, whose work focuses on climate change, children's and adolescents' rights, and youth participation in public affairs. She became involved in youth advocacy as an adolescentthrough the Núcleo de Cidadania de Adolescentes (NUCA) in Bonito and later participated in national and international initiatives focused on climate action and youth rights.
Early life and activism
Silva is from Bonito, a municipality in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco. She began participating in youth advocacy through NUCA in 2017. Through the initiative, she became involved in activities designed to encourage adolescents to participate in discussions about their rights and the development of their communities. Her activism subsequently expanded to environmental issues, particularly climate change and its effects on children and young people. Her work has included mobilizing adolescents, promoting climate education and encouraging young people to participate in decision-making processes.
Youth and woman rights advocacy
In addition to environmental activism, Silva's work addresses broader issues affecting adolescents and young adults. Her areas of advocacy have included children's and adolescents' rights, youth participation, gender equality, racial issues and mental health. Her activism emphasizes the importance of involving young people in decisions that affect their communities and futures. She has also worked to encourage adolescents from public schools to become involved in civic and environmental activities.
Areas of advocacy
Silva's work has focused primarily on:
- Climate change and environmental action
- Children's and adolescents' rights
- Youth participation and leadership
- Climate education
- Gender equality
- Racial and ethnic issues
- Mental-health advocacy
Through these activities, Silva has sought to increase the participation of young people in environmental and social issues at both local and international levels.