Brazil’s murder figures are at an all-time high, with young black Brazilians at the most risk. As the government fails to keep its people safe, grassroots movements and crowdfunding initiatives are tackling the violence head on. The question is, can brands step in and help the process?

Brazil is home to 21 of the 50 most violent cities in the world, with drug trafficking, gang wars, political instability and poverty all fuelling the country’s high crime rates. How are regular Brazilians reacting to persistent urban violence? And how does crime affect their lifestyles?

The MetrôRio 99 initiative in Rio de Janeiro combines public and private transport to offer people discounts on taxis if they ride the metro. With mounting road congestion and subway ridership on the decline – falling 14.5% between 2016 and 2017 – can it change how Brazilians get around the city?

A growing number of Brazilian women are embracing feminism, finding vivid expression in arts and culture. Among them are carioca funk star MC Carol and rapper Karol Conká, who’ve collaborated on the single ‘100% Feminista’, challenging traditional gender attitudes through music.