O Sexo Feminino: Semanário dedicado aos interesses da mulher (1873–1875) was one of Brazil’s earliest periodicals dedicated to advocating for women’s rights and interests. Published first in Campanha, Minas Gerais, and later in Rio de Janeiro by Francisca Senhorinha da Mota Diniz, it addressed topics such as education, employment, and gender inequality while encouraging women’s intellectual and moral development. Balancing progressive ideas with the era’s conservative values, the publication sought to empower middle- and upper-class women by expanding their roles beyond the domestic sphere. Featuring a mix of essays, poetry, and practical advice, it critiqued restrictive societal norms and championed women’s contributions to cultural and civic life. Though short-lived, the magazine played a pivotal role in shaping early feminist discourse in Brazil, laying the groundwork for future movements advocating for gender equality.
You can check out the journal here on the Hemeroteca Digital Brasileira.