This famous quote, proclaimed by social activist and founder of Central Única das Favelas (CUFA), Celso Athayde, was recalled today (22) during the organization’s historic presentation at INSPIRAMAIS, the most important trade show for materials for the fashion industries in Latin America. The event was held at the FIERGS Events Center in Porto Alegre, RS.

Telling the story of the organization, which for more than two decades has promoted development and inclusion in peripheral areas across Brazil, Pablo Dalavera, the municipal coordinator for CUFA in São Leopoldo and Novo Hamburgo, highlighted the potential of Brazilian favelas, which generate a market of over R$ 200 billion annually. “If we were a state, we would be the fourth most populous and sixth richest in Brazil,” he emphasized. Currently, Brazil has over 12,000 favelas. In Rio Grande do Sul, CUFA has headquarters in 15 cities in the Porto Alegre metropolitan area and the southern part of the state.

According to Dalavera, the opportunity to participate in an event like INSPIRAMAIS is “revolutionary.” This is because the trade show creates important connections with companies in the leather and footwear production chain that can help—and be helped by—CUFA. At the event, the organization is showcasing products from six female entrepreneurs from low-income communities in Rio Grande do Sul. “Being here gives our initiatives visibility outside the favelas, creating connections with companies in the Brazilian leather and footwear sector,” he commented.

Working During the Floods

CUFA RS gained notoriety during the floods that devastated Rio Grande do Sul last May. It raised over 40,000 tons of donations and mobilized about 300 volunteers, assisting a total of more than 400,000 affected people.

The Complex

Eduardo Pereira Cardoso, Executive Director of CUFA’s Complex of Opportunities and the organization’s coordinator in Esteio, highlighted the potential for integration with companies in the sector, especially in addressing a significant gap in both communities and industries: favelas lack opportunities while industries lack labor. It’s a “win-win” scenario. According to Cardoso, at the Complex of Opportunities in Esteio, the organization maintains two sewing workshops, an industrial kitchen, training spaces with classrooms and a computer lab, communal areas with a playground and a multi-sport court, and a community laundry. The goal is to bring opportunities for economic and social development to the local community. “Each year, we serve over 2,000 people and also act as a hub that connects the community, public authorities, and companies. We need to realize that the favela is an economic powerhouse,” he said.

Cardoso revealed that an area in the Guajuviras neighborhood of Canoas is being revitalized to open another Complex of Opportunities for the benefit of the local community. “Soon, we hope to expand to Novo Hamburgo,” the director projected.

Partnership Opportunities

Sebrae/RS analyst Josemar Demenech noted that companies need to see and act more diligently on the “S” (social) pillar of their ESG practices. “Many companies fear they won’t get results from partnerships with social organizations, which is not true,” he said. According to him, partnerships with NGOs like CUFA improve customer perception and facilitate access to financing with reduced interest rates or even non-repayable grants.

Expo Favela

One of CUFA’s most important initiatives is Expo Favela, with its next edition scheduled for May 2025. At the fair, entrepreneurs from communities have the opportunity to present—and sell—their products to thousands of consumers. More information will soon be available on the CUFA website: www.cufa.org.br.

The Trade Show

Promoted by Assintecal in partnership with the Center for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit), and the Brazilian Furniture Industry Association (Abimóvel), INSPIRAMAIS is organized by Brazilian Materials and partnered with Sebrae Nacional.